Film still from Rashaad Newsome’s Assembly, the Closing Night feature film of Under the Stars 2025. Courtesy of The Film Collaborative.

UPDATE: The opening night has been postponed to Saturday, May 24 and changed location. It will take place indoors at the Calvary Center for Culture and Community (801 S. 48th St), beginning at 6:30 p.m. Follow cinéSPEAK on Instagram for updates.

The 5th annual independent film festival, Under the Stars at Clark Park, is returning to 43rd and Chester this Friday, May 23. Every Friday through June 13, cinéSPEAK will present city premieres of independent films from around the world, live music from local artists, viral food pop-ups (including Manna Bakery and Darnel’s Cakes), and more.

This year’s program includes six Philadelphia premieres and a special repertory screening of legendary Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman’s It Must Be Heaven, which makes one of its first U.S. appearances since its festival tour in 2019, and live musical performances in honor of West Philly Porchfest 2025. This year’s themes include Palestinian cultural preservation, Indigeneity and environmental stewardship, and Black and queer liberatory futures.

Live music begins at 7 p.m. and film screenings start at 9 p.m.. All events are free to attend. Audience members are encouraged to BYO-chairs, blankets, and picnics.

Here’s this year’s program and schedule:

Friday, May 23: Elia Suleiman’s It Must Be Heaven (2019) with short film: Where the Wind Blows and DJ Sadi. Co-presented with Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival and Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

Friday, May 30: Sasha Wortzel’s River of Grass with short film: Mawtini (My Homeland) and pre-show live performances by: s.arinade (7 p.m.) / Burnt Pink (8 p.m.)

Friday, June 6: Cristina Costantini’s Sally with short film: Trans Heaven, Pennsylvania and DJ Aura

Friday, June 13: Rashaad Newsome’s Assembly (2025) and DJ Delish. Co-presented with BlackStar Film Festival.

Rain dates for the festival screenings are Saturdays, May 24 – June 14. For more information and registration, visit: https://cinespeak.org/cinema/series/under-the-stars.