💰 Penn penny pinches in fear of funding cuts

💰 Penn’s Trump Era Spiral Continues With Hiring Freeze

Penn’s pumping the brakes on new hires, salary increases, and capital project spending as the academic institution reconsiders finances amid federal funding cuts and policy changes under the Trump administration. In a recent memo, Penn said the cutbacks are effective immediately. [🔒Philadelphia Business Journal]

🎞️ What These 11 Movies Get Right (and Wrong) About Philly

Philly is having an on-screen moment. It’s not just “Abbott Elementary” or “It’s Always Sunny.” New shows like “Deli Boys” and “Long Bright River” are putting Philly in the spotlight. But does Hollywood have a good track record in getting our city right? Today’s episode revisits a conversation between Trenae and Len Webb and Vincent Williams from The Micheaux Mission podcast about essential Philly films. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

• Related: Another show joining the Philly lineup is “Dope Thief,” which premieres on Apple TV+ this Friday. [Philly Voice]

💵 Funding Woes Put Gun Violence Prevention at Risk

Speaking of federal cuts, higher-ed isn’t the only sector bracing itself. Advocates worry that Philly’s downward gun violence trend may not continue if anti-gun violence programs lose federal funding. More than $200 million of Philly’s $1.4 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act went toward funding prevention programs. The money has been spent, and it’s uncertain how the programs will continue to be funded. [The Trace]

🚧 City Avenue Slows Down Until This Spring

City Avenue’s 114-year-old bridge over SEPTA’S Cynwyd Regional Rail Line tracks is getting some much-needed repairs. Drivers can expect a longer commute from now until April 7, with only one lane on each side open on the avenue between Bryn Mawr Avenue and 47th Street. [NBC10]

Movies can educate, inspire, and provide a sense of escape. Whether it's a documentary, drama, or something so experimental you’re not even sure what genre to label it, film has something for everyone.

Watching movies is easier now than ever in the age of streaming, but watching new releases on your laptop can be an isolating experience. The art of film has the power to bring people together, and film clubs give you that chance to find a community to nerd out with, share your thoughts on a deeper level, and support independent filmmakers so they can keep making their work.

Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or an absolute enthusiast, check out these local film clubs and what they have to offer. ⤵️

BlackStar Film Festival

Every summer the BlackStar Film Festival celebrates work from Black, brown, and Indigenous storytellers. The organization also runs programming year-round, including a filmmaker lab, screenings, exhibitions, and parties.

There are three membership tiers to select from to support the work, with benefits including invites to members-only events, discounted festival passes, voting privileges for the festival, and priority access to a filmmaker seminar.

Lightbox Film Center

The Lightbox Film Center’s history dates back to the 1970s, when it showcased independent and international films. The center has moved on from its past homes, the International House of Philadelphia (R.I.P.) and the University of the Arts (R.I.P. again), but it has not stopped its mission of providing access to overlooked films. Members can attend exclusive events and get discounted tickets for screenings.

PAAFF Film Club

The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival has been running since 2008, highlighting the work of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. But its annual November festival isn’t the only time to watch these films. PAAFF’s film club meets virtually every month from March to July to talk about each month’s selected film. Members can also access a Discord server for watch parties and more connections.