Film Screening Celebrates the Legacy and Power of Black Women Who Shaped Philadelphia’s History and Future

#forimmediaterelease
For interviews, press passes, or more information, Contact:
Jos Duncan-Asé
[email protected]
(484) 222-0253

Film Screening Celebrates the Legacy and Power of Black Women Who Shaped Philadelphia’s History and Future

Philadelphia, PA — April 2, 2025 — On Wednesday, April 9, Love Now Media presents an unforgettable afternoon and evening of film and reflection at the CIC Philadelphia (3675 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Delaware River Room). The event features two compelling documentary films by award-winning filmmaker Jos Duncan-Asé, centering the legacy of Black women whose trailblazing work continues to ignite movements for peace, healing, and cultural restoration.

The featured film, Queen Mother – A Work In Progress (30 minutes), follows the extraordinary life and ongoing work of Queen Mother Falaka Fattah, a living legend in the fight against gang violence and for community transformation in Philadelphia. At 93 years old, Queen Mother continues to offer wisdom, guidance, and vision for a new generation of changemakers. Her legacy began when, in 1969, she turned her own home into a safe haven for young gang members—birthing the iconic House of Umoja. By 1974, Philadelphia saw a drastic drop in gang-related violence, thanks in large part to her courage, love, and leadership.
Accompanying the film is a powerful photo exhibit that will be available throughout the day, offering a visual narrative of Queen Mother’s enduring impact.

The program also includes a screening of Love Letter to Lessie (10 minutes), a poetic short documentary that uncovers the nearly lost legacy of Lessie Spurlock, a Black woman who broke barriers in classical music by founding an opera company in Philadelphia during the 1940s and 50s. Using rare archives and creative storytelling, Jos Duncan-Asé brings Spurlock’s influence into the light, honoring her with tributes from contemporary artists inspired by her path.

“This work is urgent,” says filmmaker Jos Duncan-Asé. “In this moment, when communities are seeking healing, justice, and reconnection, Queen Mother’s model of community-building through love is as needed as ever. These films are part of a Women’s History program—one honoring a living icon shaping her legacy, and the other lifting the veil on a forgotten visionary whose art made way for so many.”

Film Screenings:

• 12:00 PM Screening
• 5:00 PM Screening

Location:
CIC Philadelphia – 3675 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Delaware River Room
RSVP via Eventbrite • Admission: Free and open to the public. Refreshments and popcorn will be served.

About the Filmmaker
Jos Duncan-Asé is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker, journalist, and cultural strategist. Her work blends ritual, oral history, and creative nonfiction to document stories that center love and liberation.
For interviews, press passes, or more information, please contact [email protected]