The last movie theater in Norristown closed in 1982, making film a forgotten art form in a once-thriving film community. This program is the most cost-effective solution to delivering regular and consistent quality films to an underserved community that is thirsty for education, events, and engagement. As an arts organization that has consistently delivered career-oriented and educational film programs since 2006, Project Twenty1 is in the perfect position to introduce our loyal community of filmmakers to the eager residents of Norristown for entertainment that engages through innovation through Norristown Movies from the Hill.

This program has two key components: Community Curation, where Norristown-area residents will watch and learn about film theory, production, and curation, and Community Exhibition, a free outdoor screening series of the program’s “Official Selections”.

Community Curation: From February-April 2013, Project Twenty1 will administer ten indoor curation panels on Norristown Arts Hill that will engage at least 21 Norristown-area residents per event in the process of film curation.

During these panels, professionals will explain film production, how to evaluate film, and ways to curate films for diverse, multicultural audiences. Films will be watched for 60-90 minutes, questions answered, and individual ballots administered. In addition to providing a unique educational experience, this program is essential because it gives filmmakers an unbiased assessment of their work.

Community Exhibition: After top films are selected, Project Twenty1 will host at least 6 free outdoor screenings over the spring and summer months to entertain, engage, and educate Norristown-area residents and participating filmmakers. Physical programs outlining screening dates, locations, films, and subject matter will be distributed and online social media and community partners will be used heavily to promote the event.

The series would kick off on the evening of May 4, 2013, as the closing event of the 4th annual Norristown Arts Hill Festival. Attendees of all screenings will engage in conversations about the films with any filmmakers in attendance and the event emcee. Screenings can be catered to a bilingual audience as well, exhibiting Spanish-language or other foreign-language films or animations with English subtitles, depending on what content presents itself during the curation process.


Program Scope

The program’s costs for 2013 as outlined above total $42,600, which covers program administration over the 7 month timeline, film licensing fees, curation, hosting and administering all events, addressing attendee feedback, finding local partners, marketing via innovative methods utilizing Project Twenty1’s established network of filmmakers and movie-goers, equipment rental, set-up, breakdown and tech. For outright purchase of all equipment, the cost would increase to approximately $47,400, but future years’ program costs would be reduced.

Project Twenty1 is running a crowdsourcing campaign via Razoo.com in order to raise at least 50% of the funds to purchase equipment and run this program in 2013. Underwriters are currently being sought to provide additional monetary support, including local, county, state and private-sector funding, as well as local and regional organizations interested in co-sponsoring or branding these events as their own. Each partner will play a vital role in the revitalization of Norristown through presentation of a public and regular film screening series for the community as a whole.

Program Objectives and Benefits to Norristown

• Help film and creative industries survive in Norristown, and provide a path towards sustainability.
• Kickstart awareness of film and animation in Norristown.
• Add a new expression of the arts to Norristown’s burgeoning theatre, dance and music scenes.
• Involve the community in the film in a unique way that will give Norristown a voice.
• Encourage creative thought and discussion amongst Norristown’s community, and act as a teaching tool.
• Create positive press for the film scene in Norristown.
• Show that Norristown can have a night life, and warm the community to the idea of staying outside for entertainment after 5 pm.
• Enhance the idea that Norristown is safe, and encourage more cafes, restaurants, and clubs to move into Norristown Arts Hill.

-As a not-for-profit organization, we can offer 100% tax-deductible donations OR tiered advertising (for donations over $100). Please let us know which you prefer.~