An expressive weekend with Eastern State ‘Incarcerated Films,’ Jersey Fresh Jam, and Nipsey Hussle

This weekend, there’s plenty to explore when it comes to a variety of voices. Whether it’s the Hidden Lives Illuminated screening, Diasporic Body: Jesus & Egun exploring Yoruba spiritual practice, honoring the legacy of a star gone way too soon in Nipsey Hussle, or celebrating and giving access to a hit movie that centers Asian American voices, the diversity of Philadelphia shines bright.

Eastern State Penitentiary Incarcerated Films

Eastern State Penitentiary debuts its latest project, Hidden Lives Illuminated, this weekend. New animated films created by currently incarcerated artists will be projected onto Eastern State's gothic façade three times every night from August 15 through September 12. The event is free, open to the public, and is appropriate for people of all ages. Screenings are about 40 minutes and the first each night begins at 7pm. Additional programs will feature presentations by scholars, community leaders, activisits, artists, victims’ advocates, and elected officials and will include discussions, hands-on activities, letter writing, and more.

Crazy Rich Asians at Clark Park

Movies in Clark Park continues with a screening of the hit romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. There will be food vendors aplenty, and the screening is free on Friday, August 16, at 8pm.

Scribe’s Street Movies!

Scribe Video Center’s screening series Street Movies! continues with a handful of screenings and a performance by Cambodian American Girls Empowering! dance troupe and Catzie Vilayphonh as emcee. The films screening at Mifflin Square Park at 6th and Ritner Streets on Friday, August 16, include:

• FILL and Moo, a Japanese short clay animation
• Khema, a Cambodian tribute to traditional Khmer dance
• Me, a film about two generations of Vietnamese moms reimagining their family pho shop
• The Woodland, a story of a Cuban grandfather who teaches his granddaughter his worldview through nature's mysteries
• Afterearth, a documentary about the rising sea levels that threaten Hawai’i, the Phillippines, China, and North America through the eyes of four women looking to preserve their motherlands.

See the rest of their upcoming screenings online.

Nipsey Hustle Tribute Exhibit

Philly Art Collective is hosting a tribute exhibit for activist, entrepreneur, and rapper Nipsey Hussle, whose life was cut short this past spring. His legacy and impact still ripples through, and Philly Art Collective is gathering local artists that will feature Hussle-themed artwork on Saturday, August 17, at 2pm. Portions of donations will go to selected arts organizations. The free tickets have already gone, but donation-based admission is still available online.

Jersey Fresh Jam At Trenton

Need a refresher course on the five elements of hip-hop? Well, the Jersey Fresh Jam is here to learn ya! A free, all-day celebration of live painting and hip-hop music is happening at TerraCycle headquarters in Trenton, New Jersey, on Saturday, August 17. Starting at noon, the 14th annual Jersey Fresh Jam will feature over 50 graffiti artists and live performances and turn TerraCycle into an urban art garden with new murals and creative sculptures.

QUEST Screening

QUEST, a documentary that saw its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, is screening at Norris Square Park, 2100 North Howard Street, on Saturday, August 17, at 8pm. The verité film composed over nearly a decade, QUEST looks at the Rainey family, living in North Philadelphia as they nurture a community of hip-hop artists in their home music studio. The sanctuary isn’t always the shield they need, though, and viewers can see the story of race, class, love, healing, and hope unfold this weekend. The screening is free; be sure to bring your own blankets and chairs.

The Diasporic Body

The African American Musuem of Philadelphia will present a performance of Lela Aisha Jones’s Diasporic Body: Jesus & Egun on Sunday, August 18, at 3pm. The Bessie Award-nominated work speaks to the diverse ways in which Yoruba-rooted artistic, cultural, and spiritual practices are expressed in black American life. The work specifically looks at three states of being that include the Mothers of the church, the transcendent human potential of freestyle in the social dance form House, and matrons of Yoruba spiritual practice. Tickets are $8 in advance, $14 at the door, and free for AAMP members.