Last Updated: 3/19/25

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.

From Philadelphia with Love 2025

at Bryn Mawr Film Institute

Bryn Mawr Film Institute
824 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA
610-527-9898

Thursday, April 10, 2025
7:30 pm
Admission: $14.50, $9.00 BMFI members, $12.00 seniors/students, $10.00 children

On Thursday, April 10, the Secret Cinema will return to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute to present another unique program of short films, called From Philadelphia With Love 2025: More Lost Local Films. While most area residents are familiar with Philadelphia films such as Rocky and Trading Places, there is a whole world of locally-made films that's been forgotten -- the ephemeral short films that were primarily made by small independent companies for the non-theatrical market. While most school districts, television stations and traveling salesmen have long ago discarded their 16mm film projectors, we at Secret Cinema have not (hardly!), and are proud to present another look at these celluloid time capsules that would otherwise not be seen again.

The Secret Cinema has been collecting, archiving and screening this fascinating area of local film history for over 25 years now. This newest edition of our Philly film program features all-new selections acquired in the last couple of years, and we are excited to debut them in Bryn Mawr.

There will be one complete show at 7:30 pm. Admission is $14.50, $12.00 seniors/students, $9.00 BMFI members.

Just a few highlights of From Philadelphia with Love 2025… will be:

The Detached Americans (1964, Dir: Dan Matticks) - A fascinating documentary hosted by CBS's Harry Reasoner, and produced right here by WCAU-TV. The film explores what seemed a disturbing new trend of witnesses to crimes not wanting to "get involved." It was clearly inspired by the real-life rape/murder of Kitty Genovese in Queens, New York that year (in which it was widely reported that 38 people watched it happen from their windows but did nothing, though this was later disproved). A similar event is dramatized here, with actors portraying the detached witnesses, while folk songs, Barbie dolls and a dreamlike sequence with mannequins attempt to explain how society got to this point. Art Director John Ferlaine created the popular syndicated kids' show Diver Dan, while cameraman Phil Galligan trained the North Philadelphia gang members who made the National Film Registry short The Jungle. The Detached Americans was televised nationally, and later circulated by an educational film distributor.

The Wildwoods By-The-Sea (early 1960s) - Promotional film made in vivid Kodachrome, highlighting the many activities and attractions to be enjoyed in this storied South Jersey beach town, in the peak years of its carnival-like boardwalk and "Doo Wop" motels. Many long-gone sites are preserved here (the Hunts Pier Flyer and Up'n Atom roller coasters! Casino Arcade! Marine Pier! The Sportland Pier Aqua Circus pool!). Plus the still extant tram car, fishing boats, and the Wildwood Baby Parade.

Betsy and the Commodore (1970s) - A detailed and very interesting look at the planning and construction of two new bridges spanning the Delaware River (the Betsy Ross Bridge and the Commodore Barry Bridge, naturally!). Produced by the Delaware River Port Authority, and narrated by former KYW anchorman Mort Crim.

The Carolyn Fall Fashion Show (1956) - Here's a rare item: a gorgeous color film showcasing the 1956 clothing line of the Carolyn Fashions dress company…all staged at Windswept, the Bryn Mawr mansion of Mr. And Mrs. David H. Clarke. The Main Line couple often hosted charitable galas at their estate, which was later occupied by the president of the Union League, J. Permar Richards. Refined-looking models (one in cat-eye glasses) parade countless colorful outfits, and a few tasteful men's suits from local manufacturer Botany 500 are also seen. Narration was provided by Vyvyan Donner, whose voice had been heard in fashion segments of the Fox Movitone newsreel since the 1930s. This film was seen at special screenings held in department stores and women's clubs around the country.

Plus more!

FUTURE SECRET CINEMA EVENTS (more info soon):