Film-series screening ‘a very big deal’ for Germantown’s Center in the Park

Germantown’s Center in the Park has been selected as one of six national pilot sites for Working Films’ “Reel Aging Civic Engagement Film Series” beginning Feb. 27.

Working Films is a national non-profit organization that focuses on audience engagement by shedding light on social issues through documentaries.

Molly Murphy, interim co-director, said Center in the Park was selected for the quality of programming and activities it provides to its members.

“We tried to look at some of the best programs for older adults that have the most dynamic opportunities for the folks that are involved there and Center in the Park was selected,” said Murphy.

Brannon Johnson, the center’s executive director, said she is honored that the organization selected them to serve as a pilot. She described it as “a very big deal.”

“I think its great idea, what they are trying to do,” said Johnson. “I think it’s great that they are going in the field and working with other organizations.”

Awareness and launch-event details

Murphy said the series aims to inform about issues concerning older adults as well as encourage them to take action on other issues that can be seen in “Mariachi High” and “Deep Down,” which will be shown during the film series.

The special launch event will feature the 70-minute documentary “Age of Champions,” a PBS-aired documentary which follows a group of senior citizens who are competing for gold in the National Senior Olympics.

It includes the story of a 100-year-old tennis player, an 86-year-old pole vaulter, swimmers in their eighties and a team of basketball-playing grandmothers.

Screening will take place at 1 p.m. on Feb. 27.

The film series at Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave., is free and open to the public.

For more information or to RSVP, call (215) 848-7722.