Screening of ‘The Philadelphia Project’ + Q&A with Filmmaker Erahm Christopher

During the Q&A we will explore Erahm’s process of teaching youth and adults how to utilize the filmmaking thought process to connect, reconcile and expand their creativity to tackle social issues. Q&A will be moderated by Amira Smith, Director of Multicultural Affairs for Greater Philadelphia Film Office.

About the film

The Philadelphia Project is a thought-provoking film that explores the shared experience of the filmmaker, Erahm Christopher, with students of Strawberry Mansion High School.  During a nine-month program, Erahm worked with sixteen youth at the only high school in the “most dangerous police district in Philadelphia”.  Erahm trained the youth to deconstruct narrative media to understand how artistic techniques may influence how a viewer thinks and feels.  The students learned how to apply the same method to express their thoughts regarding current events.  The collaborative process helped unify the youth and improve their communication, public speaking and writing skills.  The program culminated in a spoken word presentation to members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  Erahm documented the entire program on camera, resulting in a 60-minute documentary, Philadelphia Project, currently being utilized as an educational tool to help improve the social dynamic of their urban community.  Philadelphia Project explores important topics such as acceptance, perception, growing up in Philadelphia, and what Brotherly Love really means.