The people behind the screenings
For Tina Ngo, the Film Society’s year-round programming coordinator, the work doesn’t end when the lineup is announced.
During the festival, her responsibilities include communicating with distributors, introducing films and engaging with audiences across the venues.
Before each introduction, Ngo researches the film and its director, looking for interesting details to share with moviegoers while also acknowledging sponsors and providing festival information.
One of the most rewarding parts of her job is connecting with audiences, she said. She enjoys hearing their thoughts on screenings and making recommendations of other films, sometimes hearing back from attendees who enjoyed her suggestions.
Outside the Philadelphia Film Society Center (Jassmyn Nesmith/WHYY)
Although the festival lasts just 11 days, the Film Society’s year-round screenings and community partnerships help maintain connections with audiences beyond the annual event.
Members of the programming team said Philadelphia’s filmgoing community has grown in recent years. They pointed to the growth of local film clubs and smaller screening events, which have created additional opportunities for moviegoers to connect over their shared interest in cinema.
“I think there’s been a big generational shift where I feel like younger people, especially right post-COVID, it’s a huge craving for a third space, a shared community, and especially around something art and human-made,” Riveras said.