This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
Have you seen Glen’s Village yet? If not, you’ve certainly heard the buzz about the 30-minute documentary that focuses on Glen Casey, a 20-year-old West Philadelphia native who found the supports he needed both in and out of school to rise from a life surrounded by drugs and violence, graduate from high school, and become a University of Pennsylvania student.
The film, which has received a series of awards since its release in May, will be screened in Philadelphia at noon on Sunday, Oct. 25, as part of the 18th annual FirstGlance Festival Philadelphia at the Franklin Institute.
The festival, which is held in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, brings independent filmmakers and audiences together to view a variety of feature films, documentaries, and short films. This screening of Glen’s Village will mark its first showing to a public audience in Philadelphia since its release in May and the 11th film festival into which it has been accepted.
Glen’s Village was created by journalists Dorian Geiger and Paul Jablow in partnership with the Notebook, and through Glen’s story it addresses the effects of trauma on children who attend Philadelphia schools.
"This is a Philadelphia film – for Philadelphia kids, parents, and teachers. After a hectic festival circuit from Atlanta to Arizona, and many emotional screenings, ‘Glen’s Village’ is finally coming home. We’re thrilled to screen it in Philadelphia," said Geiger.
It has received five awards since its debut. Most recently, Glen’s Village won Best Short Documentary in the Atlantic City Cine Fest. The documentary also won Best Short Documentary award at AMFM Fest: Flagstaff in Arizona, the documentary’s first festival circuit showing, and was named Best Documentary at the Mount Vernon, N.Y., Film Festival in September. It also received the audience award for best medium-length film and jury award for best documentary at #TOFF: The Online Film Festival.
This screening of Glen’s Village will take place in the Franklin Theater at the Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St. Purchase your tickets here.