Stories & Sips: A Filmmaker Happy Hour
Date and Time: Friday, August 7, 2026 from 3:00–5:00 PM
Location: GroundFloor Studios, 1315 Walnut St Ste 131, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Join Sotomayor Productions and Big Picture Alliance for a free happy hour and mixer bringing together filmmakers, artists, storytellers, and community members during the BlackStar Film Festival.
Come by, grab a drink, connect with fellow creatives, and learn more about the work of our two organizations. Around 3:30–3:45 PM, we'll share brief presentations about our respective initiatives and upcoming projects, including opportunities to support and get involved with our work.
Sotomayor Productions is a queer and Latinx-led film and media organization creating community-accountable films and programs centered on social justice, identity, and underrepresented communities. This year, we're excited to celebrate our three-year anniversary and three years of independent storytelling, filmmaking, and community building!
As part of the celebration, we're raising funds for our upcoming documentary about Las Cafeteras, following the East Los Angeles band on the road as they use music and storytelling to connect with communities. Ahead of our upcoming crowdfunding campaign, we'll host a silent auction Evil Genius Beer Company brewery tour during the event, with proceeds directly supporting the film's production.
Big Picture Alliance is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that empowers young people to define their own narrative through filmmaking and digital media. Through mentorship, hands-on media education, and professional pathways, BPA supports the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers. This gathering will take place at BPA’s GroundFloor Studios, a community media hub in Center City Philadelphia.
Donations to BPA support their youth and workforce programs which provide hundreds of Philly youth access to media tools, creative community, and professional mentorship – empowering them to define their own narrative from script-to-screen and from curiosity-to-careers.
Admission is free, but space is limited. Complimentary beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and light refreshments will be available. Beer for this event has been generously donated by Bar Hygge and Urban Village Brewing Company, while wine has been generously donated by City Winery Philadelphia. We are also grateful to the United We Heal Film Festival for generously donating the GroundFloor Studios event space.
Whether you're in town for BlackStar, part of Philadelphia's creative community, or simply interested in connecting with filmmakers and storytellers, we'd love to see you there.
RSVP to reserve your spot. Donations greatly appreciated. Capacity is limited. This is a 21+ event and IDs will be checked by bartenders.
This event is independently presented and is not affiliated with or officially sponsored by the BlackStar Film Festival.
