New mural in Philadelphia honors the city’s film culture, featuring iconic movies like Rocky and The Sixth Sense.
On October 3, Philadelphia marked a notable addition to its vast public art collection with the unveiling of a mural titled Films Shaped by a City. This vibrant artwork, crafted by artist Marian Bailey, is positioned on the rear wall of the Film Society Center, located on Sansom Street, between Broad and 15th Streets. The installation is significant, as it celebrates the city’s unique cinematic history, a facet that had not been prominently represented among the over 4,000 murals across Philadelphia.
The mural was inaugurated just ahead of the 34th Philadelphia Film Festival, coinciding with the center’s renovation, previously known as the Prince Theater and later the Philadelphia Film Center. The new lobby and entrance aims to enhance the venue’s appeal and accessibility for filmgoers. The initiative for the mural began when Maori Karmael Holmes, the founder of BlackStar Projects, proposed a tribute project dedicated to Philadelphia’s film legacy. Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts, recognized the potential for a mural at the Film Society Center, and discussions with Andrew Greenblatt, CEO of the Philadelphia Film Society, ensued.
An inclusive committee was formed, featuring representatives from various film organizations, including BlackStar, PhillyCAM, Scribe Video Center, and the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation, among others. In June 2023, Phil Asbury, director of community murals at Mural Arts, enlisted Bailey to design the mural. The work showcases references to iconic films set in Philadelphia, such as Rocky (1976), Trading Places (1983), and The Sixth Sense (1999), with Bailey expressing her enthusiasm for the project and her passion for film.
Despite its celebratory nature, the mural has sparked discussions about the exclusion of certain popular films, prompting remarks from State Senator Nikil Saval regarding notable omissions like Creed and Eraserhead. Bailey acknowledged her admiration for the Creed series but explained that not all beloved works could be included, highlighting the ongoing dialogue such selections provoke.
Golden pointed out the interactive element of the mural, likening it to a scavenger hunt where viewers search for recognizable cinematic icons. She emphasized the project’s goal of elevating the arts within Philadelphia, while Greenblatt expressed excitement about how the mural enriches the Film Society’s mission to foster a sense of community among Philadelphia’s filmmakers.
Looking forward, Mural Arts has several upcoming projects in the pipeline, including tributes to notable figures such as Boyz II Men and Questlove. Golden, who plans to step down from her role in 2026, affirms the importance of public art that engages and involves the city’s residents. The new mural not only beautifies the area but also serves as a testament to Philadelphia’s vibrant cultural narrative, enhancing the local film community’s connection to their city’s artistic identity.