A new West Philly-based film project is in the works thanks to local writer and director Dan Papa. ‘Maya’ is an independent feature film that will be shot in the area and will tell a story about the changes love goes through over time (see promo video below). The film is planning to shoot in April, 2012, but Dan and his team need some help with it.

An online fundraising page has been set up on Kickstarter (link). The goal is to raise $7,000, which is the minimum of what it takes to produce a movie. You can pledge as little as $1. The project will only be funded if the full amount is pledged by March 1, 2012.

Besides fundraising, Dan is currently casting the male lead role. If you are age 24-30 and have some experience in theater and film please email danieljamespapa [at] gmail.com. Don’t forget to include a video of your recent performance. Dan also wants to hear from anyone interested in being on the crew or who would like to contribute equipment.

For updates, camera tests, and other videos, visit the film’s Facebook page.

Police say a 53-year-old man was stabbed and robbed last night near 46th and Walnut after he tried to fight off a teen robber.

The man, who police say is from far Southwest Philly, was walking near 46th and Walnut at about 8:55 p.m. when a male described as 17 or 18 years old approached him, brandished a knife and demanded his wallet. Police say the man fought back and was punched in the face and stabbed several times in the back.

The man remained in stable condition this morning at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

What qualities would you like to see in the next school superintendent?

As the search continues for a replacement for Arlene Ackerman, the School District of Philadelphia is holding a meeting tonight at West Philadelphia High School to get community input on the search. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and is sponsored by the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Penn Project for Civic Engagement.

Tonight’s meeting is the first of three this week across the city dealing with the superintendent search. Meetings will also be held Wednesday at Strawberry Mansion High School and Thursday at Edison High School.

Are you single, between 25 and 35 years old, looking for a partner and love reading? Then this event may be for you. On Monday (Feb. 6), come to the Walnut St West Branch Library (40th & Walnut) for the Literary Speed Dating event. You are encouraged to bring a book you love, hate, or just want to use as an ice-breaker.

Mingling and light refreshments start at 5:30 p.m. and speed dating begins at 6:00. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. And please arrive early, as no-shows and late arrivals will forfeit their place on the registration list to those on the waiting list.

To register, please email Dan at ryand [at] freelibrary.org.

NOTE: This event is for straight singles. A similar event for gay singles is taking place tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the Independence Branch.

A reader found an all black short haired female cat on Thursday (Feb. 2) night at 46th and Springfield. She is small and lightweight, very quiet and well behaved, with golden eyes. The cat was wearing a pink collar so it looks like she belongs to someone or did at some point.

If you are missing this lovely kitty, please email to: sydneypz [at] gmail.com.

Police confirmed that two brothers, 19-year old Kenyatta Lloyd and 17-year old Marquis Lloyd from the 5200 block of Webster Street, were arrested in connection with three recent robberies.

Police say Kenyatta was arrested on January 26 for his involvement in a gunpoint robbery on January 9 on the 4400 block of Osage Avenue. The victim, a 25-year old man, was approached by three males, one of whom pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded his belongings. The robbers took the victim’s phone, ID and $40. Marquis Lloyd was also charged in this incident.

Marquis is also charged with two other similar robberies. One was on January 8 on the 4600 block of Larchwood Street and involved a 31-year old male. The second was on January 18 on the 4700 Springfield Avenue when a 32-year old female was robbed at gunpoint.

Marquis Lloyd is charged with robbery, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses. Kenyatta Lloyd is charged with aggravated assault, robbery, theft, and weapons offenses.