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PHILADELPHIA – The north apron of City Hall was transformed Tuesday night for the public screening of “1776 Seconds: Philadelphia Illuminated” and a public program led by Creative Philadelphia, according to city officials.<\/p>\n
Creative Philadelphia, the city\u2019s office of arts and culture, shut down the JF Kennedy Boulevard side of City Hall for the event from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The celebration included live music, remarks from city leaders and a film premiere that spotlighted stories from across Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
City Hall hosts massive outdoor film screening <\/p>\n
Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed the crowd before the screening, saying, “We wanted to give you the respect that you deserve, Philly, and so we found you the biggest screen that we possibly could. I don\u2019t know how you did this, Val Gay. But they tell me it\u2019s 500 square feet of public pride right here on Philadelphia City Hall,” said Parker.<\/p>\n
Val Gay, Chief Cultural and Executive Director of Creative Philadelphia, said, “During our time we interviewed artists, neighborhoods, neighbors, long-time residents, and new Philadelphians. Together they remind us that the story of Philadelphia doesn\u2019t belong to one person or place,” said Gay.<\/p>\n
The event drew Philadelphians eager to celebrate the city\u2019s history and the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary. “It\u2019s my city, it\u2019s what I do. It\u2019s 1776, it\u2019s time for all of this to happen. It\u2019s 250 anniversary. I wanted to be a part,” said Mary Carol Swanson of South Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
Live performances from the Hiruy Tirfe Quartet kept the energy high before the film\u2019s 9:00 p.m. premiere.<\/p>\n
The 1776-second film gave a platform for all city council districts to be represented on the city\u2019s central municipal building, with its duration paying homage to the nation\u2019s semiquincentennial.<\/p>\n
The city says all the featured interviews happened throughout this year at various block parties. Participants of the film share about their life in the city and memories.<\/p>\n
The film and event aimed to bring together longtime residents and new Philadelphians, highlighting the city\u2019s diversity and shared history.<\/p>\n
“When you look up at these walls, it\u2019s important to me that you know that you see yourselves,”Mayor Parker told the crowd.<\/p>\n
The event was designed to showcase Philadelphia\u2019s unique role in the nation\u2019s founding and ongoing story. The film\u2019s title and length reference the year 1776 and the 250th anniversary being celebrated.<\/p>\n
Creative Philadelphia led the project, gathering interviews from across the city to ensure every council district was represented.<\/p>\n
What we don’t know:<\/p>\n
It is not yet clear if additional screenings of “1776 Seconds: Philadelphia Illuminated” are planned or how the film will be made available to those who missed the event.<\/p>\n
The Source: Information from Creative Philadelphia and city officials.<\/p>\n
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