About this Event
THE ENGINE INSIDE | Philadelphia Premiere (84 min).
Hosted by Bicycle Film Festival & Philly Bike Expo
Presented by Shimano
Thursday, June 29
7:00PM
Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium
University of the Arts at Gershman Hall
401 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
The new documentary feature film, "The Engine Inside" tells the stories of six everyday people from all over the globe, who reveal the unique power of the bicycle to change lives and build a better world. Through each character’s story, the film uncovers the often-overlooked potential of this 200-year-old machine, exploring its impact on a wide-range of global issues such as physical and mental health, socio-economic inequality and climate change.
By shining a light on people who have embraced cycling as a way to overcome daunting personal and systemic challenges, The Engine Inside ultimately asks viewers to reconsider their own perspective. Is there a transformative power within us all that can be unlocked through the simple act of riding a bike?
Narrated by the “voice of cycling” Phil Liggett, paired with an eclectic soundtrack and immersive cinematography, the film weaves together an emotional and informative celebration of the bicycle’s world-changing potential.
Shimano, Pon.Bike and PeopleForBikes present an Anthill Films production
Starring: D-Blocks, Noran Salah, Megan Hottman, Jay Bearhead, Janice Tower, and Kwabena Danso with Danny Macaskill and Robert Gesink
Directed by: Darcy Wittenburg, Darren McCullough, Colin Jones
Director’s Statement
"Never before have we experienced as many converging problems: the climate crisis, social and economic inequality, cultural trauma, and transportation issues. The Engine Inside is about unlocking the bicycle as a simple solution. The timing and the message of this film have never been as poignant or urgent as now.” - Darcy Wittenburg.
Character Quotes
"We all share this amazing piece of machinery; we all have a common language. It doesn't matter what language we speak; we all speak bike.” — Janice Tower, Endurance Athlete.
"It makes you believe in yourself and believe in the things that you can do in this world. So just start doing something you wouldn't believe you can do.” — Nouran Salah, Cairo Cycling Ghekos Founder.
"A child having a bike has so many benefits. It becomes a motivation.” — Kwabena Danso, Boomers Bikes Founder.
"I don't care what bike I'm on, as long as I'm on a bike. That's bike life." — RR Dblocks, Bike Life NYC Founder.
"The bike's life-changing, it's a tool, it's recreation, it's therapy. It helps communities." — Jay Bearhead, Indigenous Mountain Biker.
"In all 50 states here in the US, in every single set of state laws, cyclists have all the same rights and all the same obligations as the operator of a motor vehicle. Period." — Megan Hottman, The Cyclist Lawyer.
About Anthill Films
Anthill Films is a collaborative team of visual storytellers who constantly push physical and technical boundaries to create films that inspire a way of life. For almost 20 years Anthill’s award-winning cinematography has combined stunning, up-close action with an authentic insight into the people, cultures and environments of the cycling world. Over that time, the Anthill crew has produced 12 feature films, three television series and hundreds of shorts, all focused on the power, beauty and athleticism of the bike.
About Bicycle Film Festival
Founded in New York in 2001, Bicycle Film Festival has been celebrating bicycles through art, film and music for the last 23 years. BFF spanned the world in 100 cities to an audience of over one million people. The international locales included Paris, London, Tokyo, Shanghai, Mexico City, Cape Town and Istanbul and more at some of the most important venues such as Sydney Opera House and the Barbican or an old factory in Zurich. The subcultures of cycling have shared equal billing with the most exciting innovators in music, art, design and film. Participants have included: Erykah Badu, Karl Lagerfeld, Francesco Clemente, Shepard Fairey, Albert Maysles, Michel Gondry, Spike Jonze, Alex Katz, Kaws, Gavin Turk, Mike Mills, Paul Smith, the Neistat Brothers, Tom Sachs, Ridley Scott, Kiki Smith, Swoon, and Ai Weiwei.
Having created a social phenomenon with over 1 million attendees to date, BFF has influenced the transformation of cities worldwide and encouraged environmentalism through these cultural events. This festival is a celebration of way a life––not just entertainment.
About the Philly Bike Expo
The Philly Bike Expo has moved to Spring! Mark your calendars for March 16 - 17, 2024. The Philly Bike Expo celebrates the bicycle like no one else. Now in its 13th year, the Expo offers inspiration, information, and entertainment to cycling aficionados and novices alike. Held at the PA Convention Center, the Expo features exhibits by artisans and manufacturers from around the country and the world, demos, workshops, seminars and kids activities. Rides, food, and parties round out the fun-filled weekend. Visit www.phillybikeexpo.com for more info.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium, 401 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, United States
USD 20.00