Last Updated: 4/14/25

ALL SECRET CINEMA PRESENTATIONS ARE SHOWN IN 16mm (or larger!) FILM ON A GIANT SCREEN (NOT VIDEO...NOT EVER!)

Since 1992, the Secret Cinema has been the Philadelphia area’s premiere floating repertory cinema series, bringing hundreds of unique programs to nightclubs, bars, coffee houses, museums, open fields, colleges, art galleries, bookstores, and sometimes even theaters and film festivals. Drawing on its own large private film archive (as well as other collections), the Secret Cinema attempts to explore the uncharted territory and the genres that fall between the cracks, with programs devoted to educational and industrial films, cult and exploitation features, cartoons, rare television, local history, home movies, erotic films, politically incorrect material, and the odd Hollywood classic. As long as it exists on real celluloid, that is—Secret Cinema screenings never use video/digital projection. While mainly based in Philadelphia, the Secret Cinema has also brought programming to other cities and countries.

Non-Secret Cinema events alert!

Talking Heads outside Plastic Fantastic record store, Bryn Mawr, Pa. © 2025 Jay Schwartz

Secret Cinema founder Jay Schwartz is involved in a couple of NON-Secret Cinema events this week that we should mention here…a gallery exhibition of his photography documenting Philadelphia's early punk/new wave music scene, and a screening of same.

You can read all about the photo show here...

From Philadelphia Seen © 2025 Jay Schwartz

…and the Lightbox Film Center screening here.

Maritime Movies at

Independence Seaport Museum

Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
215-413-8655

Thursday, April 17, 2025
6:30 pm
Admission: $10.00, free for ISM members

On Thursday, April 17, the Secret Cinema will present its first public program at Philadelphia's Independence Seaport Museum (we did one members-only event there last year). Maritime Movies will include an assortment of short films (vintage school films, comedies, documentaries, and cartoons) dealing with nautical themes: boats, ships, marine life, sailors and the navy. Most of these films will be making their debut Secret Cinema appearance.

There will be one complete show at 6:30 pm. Admission is $10.00, or free to Independence Seaport Museum members.

A few highlights of Maritime Movies are:

Steamboat Willie (1928, Dir: Ub Iwerks) - This Walt Disney cartoon introduced Mickey Mouse to the world, and showed a wilder, more mischievous Mickey than was seen in later depictions. It is famous for being an early "talkie" cartoon (though it was hardly the first, as often claimed). Steamboat Willie later became infamous for the multiple extensions of its copyright. That was finally allowed to expire in 2024.

Two Faces of the Sea (1972, Dir: Lowell Wentworth) - This cinema verité look at the work of commercial fishermen in Port Clyde, Maine presents a visceral look at their challenges. The "two faces" seen are the sea's friendly side, when work goes smoothly -- and what happens when a bad storm blows in.

Life Along the Waterways (1950, Dir: John A. Haeseler) - School film made for young children to teach them about the different kinds of animals found living along brooks, streams and rivers, and the different species' interdependence, all captured in lovely Kodachrome.

Roving the Mediterranean (1934?) - A look at sailors maintaining a Navy cruiser ship, and on shore leave in Gibraltar, Tunisia and Venice. Shot silent (possibly in the 1920s), with a wiseguy narration added. "Life in the Navy is great!" Produced by the Navy Recruiting Service.

Towed in a Hole (1932, Dir: George Marshall) - Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy star as successful fish sellers who set out to "eliminate the middle-man" -- by buying an old wreck of a boat so they can catch the fish themselves. While attempting to repair their craft, things go predictably awry.

…and more!

FUTURE SECRET CINEMA EVENTS (more info soon):