Come discover and discuss “Who is Malden?” at local film screenings

Though Malden is a place, one can ask “who it is” as if it breathes and has a story. This is the idea behind the prompt that 24 members of Malden’s community have been exploring together as they participate in the Filmbuilding Malden: Our City in Motion program, a City of Malden–sponsored initiative using discovery-based filmmaking and film screenings to build community and a sense of place. As part of the collaborative filmmaking process, six groups of “filmbuilders” will share their films with the public at a series of four free film screening events taking place on September 23, October 7, 14 and 28.

The first screening, Voices of Malden, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, at City Hall (215 Pleasant St.). Doors open at 6:30 with music by Chris Ver Voort (guitar) and Francys Luis-Ravelo (voice). Two short films describing Malden through the perspectives of a few of its community members will be screened, each followed by discussion. The event includes a dessert reception and a display of artwork by Rosene Wine, Grace Julian Murthy and other Gallery@57 artists. The event is free but registration is recommended.

The second screening, Nature and Wellbeing, takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, outside at Lincoln Commons, weather permitting. This outdoor screening features two short films that explore the creative and connecting path to wellbeing, hope and resilience. Buy dinner at a local restaurant to bring for a picnic on the Lincoln Commons lawn – discounts available when you RSVP. The rain location will be the Senior/Teen Center. Change of venue due to weather will be announced on Friday evening, October 6, on the website and the Facebook event page. RSVP to receive a program.

The third screening, Place and Identity, takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, at the beautiful and historic Wilbur Fiske Haven House. The elegant and intimate ambience of this space will enhance the screening and discussion of two films that dive into the places, history and food experiences that are unique to Malden. RSVP is required as seating is limited.

On Saturday, October 28, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Jenkins Auditorium, the Who is Malden Film Series will culminate with an event that offers film highlights, an exhibition of the process and films, and a panel discussion exploring how to activate community across differences through media and art.

The Filmbuilding Malden program is funded by the City of Malden as part of an ARPA grant. The screenings are funded in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council as well as contributions from businesses, organizations and individuals.

For details about screening events and to RSVP, sponsor or volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/whoismalden or contact Ose Schwab at ose@umaverse.org or 781-480-3214.