Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of “Waiting to Exhale” With a Special 35 mm Screening, Trivia Night, and Yoga Session
Published on December 1, 2025
Next weekend, the Philadelphia Film Society—along with Greedy in the City, Twenty33 Creative, and Be Reel Black Cinema Club—will honor one of the most influential films in Black cinema with a full weekend devoted to “Waiting to Exhale.” The celebration marks the 30th anniversary of the film’s release and brings together fans for a heartfelt tribute to friendship, healing, and the power of Black womanhood. All events, including the marquee 35mm screening at the Philadelphia Film Center, will take place December 5–7.
Adapted from Terry McMillan’s bestselling 1992 novel, Waiting to Exhale became an instant cultural landmark upon its 1995 release. Starring Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett, the film remains a defining touchstone for generations of Black women—celebrated for its honest storytelling, sharp humor, and themes of resilience, joy, and sisterhood. “This weekend-long tribute aims to recapture that magic while creating space for connection, nostalgia, and community healing,” organizers state.
The screening is just one part of a thoughtfully curated weekend designed to immerse fans in the world and legacy of Waiting to Exhale.
Friday, December 5 | Happy Hour Trivia @ Strangelove’s | 7:00 PM
Kick off the weekend with a fun and competitive night of themed trivia. From memorable quotes to soundtrack classics, the Waiting to Exhale quizzo will test your knowledge of the film’s most unforgettable moments. Enjoy cocktails, laughs, and plenty of 90s nostalgia.
Sunday, December 7 | Space & Grace Yoga & Wellness | 12:30 PM
Let It Flow: A Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack Yoga Experience
End the weekend with a soulful, restorative yoga session set entirely to the film’s iconic soundtrack—Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, and more. This special class at Space & Grace invites attendees to breathe, stretch, and reconnect through movement and music.
The centerpiece of the celebration happens on Saturday, December 6 at the Philadelphia Film Center, where guests can experience the film in its original 35mm format.
4:30 PM — Mingling
5:00 PM — Film Screening (35mm)
7:00 PM — Community Exhale: Conversation & Closure
Following the film, attendees are invited to stay for a guided community conversation—a reflective, restorative moment honoring the emotional depth of Waiting to Exhale. Expect laughter, storytelling, and shared memories as the community comes together for a collective exhale.
Tickets are available at filmadelphia.org/movies/waiting-to-exhale-35mm/