Talk Cinema, Philadelphia

For film buffs and casual fans alike, Talk Cinema isn't just about seeing movies—it's also about bragging rights. That's because the sneak preview film series gives guests in 11 major cities the chance to be among the first to see new independent and foreign films prior to their wider theatrical releases. Created in 1992 by film critic Harlan Jacobson, whose work has appeared everywhere from The New York Times to Film Comment, the series aims to provide cinephiles with an intellectually stimulating viewing experience that might also include post-screening talks led by influential critics and filmmakers. Aficionados who want to take the hobby to the next level can also sign up for Talk Cinema's guided tours of international film festivals, which help with navigating the scene in places like Palm Springs, Havana, and San Sebastian.