Downtown Movie Night is Back with Film 1020

Nick Warren

Film Erie (formerly the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania) has partnered with the local art space 1020 Collective to present a weekly cinematic social experience with screenings of thought-provoking, relevant films.

Film lovers have a reason to be happy this season – 12 reasons in particular. Film Erie (formerly the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania) has teamed up with the 1020 Collective to bring back a weekly movie night in Downtown Erie. Returning to curate and co-host the film series is local filmmaker John C. Lyons. Together with co-host Erika Berlin, they deliver the spiritual successor to events like FILM at the Erie Art Museum and Dinner & A Movie at the Bourbon Barrel.

This opening slate of films will run every Wednesday from Labor Day to the week before Thanksgiving (Sept. 3 to Nov. 19). Geared to be a cinematic social experience, Film 1020 encourages active group discussions after each screening. Per its mission statement, it's designed to "feature films both old and new that reflect on humanity's enduring tension between empathy and cruelty, unity and division." Grappling with subjects like the Labor Movement as well as Israel and Palestine, there will be no shortage of things to discuss.

With doors open two hours prior to screening time, Film 1020 wants to cultivate an open environment. Guests can grab a drink or a bite to eat from an updating list of local food vendors. Early attendees may also be privy to special "secret screenings," but for more information about that, you'll just have to stop by in person.

Wednesday, Sept. 17 // Matewan (1987)

A labor organizer arrives at a West Virginia coal mine, where the brewing violence forces a pivotal point in 1920s American history.

Starring Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell, and David Strathairn. Written and Directed by John Sayles. Rated R.

Wednesday, Sept. 24 // The Bibi Files (2024)

Built around leaked tapes of the police interrogation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this documentary frames modern-day news amid the haze of corruption and historical revisionism. Directed by Alexis Bloom. Not Rated.

Wednesday, Oct. 1 // The Girl with the Needle (2024) with Dear Neighbor: The Legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph (2025)

A young woman in 1919 Copenhagen begins working at an underground adoption agency, where her world begins to unravel. Preceded by a locally-produced short by MenajErie Studio.

Starring Vic Carmen, Trine Dyrholm, Magnus Von Horn, and Besir Zeciri. Directed by Magnus Van Horn. Not Rated.

Wednesday, Oct. 8 // Cloud (2025)

Exploring themes of technology, greed, social media, and mind control, this film follows a factory worker moonlighting as an online reseller who quickly becomes involved in a world much deeper and dangerous than he had expected. Starring Masaki Suda. Written and Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Rated R.

Additional films slated for the remainder of October and November include The Dreadful Place, 40 Acres, Union, Sorcerer | War short film, Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk and Superman | Concrete Canvas short film.

Doors at 5 p.m., Film at 7 p.m. // 1020 Holland St. // $10 admission, food and drink available // Mature audiences, some films Rated R // For tickets and more info: tickets.eriereader.com