carstarfilm
the last
the last
philadelphia
philadelphia
A dazzling television series about America’s first city, told through the eyes of Black middle class families
Filmmaker John Carstarphen, native son of America’s “first
city,” pays fitting homage in The Last Philadelphia to a
locale that has played a central role jointly in his family and
national history. Summoning his rich family biography from
the Deep South to the urban North and integrating it into
historic scenes in the annals of the city, all illuminated by
well-spoken commentary by friends and relatives, he brings
Philadelphia vividly to life as a paradigmatic American
setting. His Philadelphia becomes ours in this deeply
moving documentary.
Dr. Ezra Greenspan, Historian/Author:
William Wells Brown, An African American Life
I found your film innovative and thought provoking.
The animation and CGI effects held my interest better than a documentary
filmconsisting solely of old film clips and grainy black and white photos.The
narrative and interviews raised serious, important questions for thought and
discussion about American ideals and equal, human rights.
E. B.
The first episode was fantastic, with richness, complexity, and stunning visual effects. The series weaves the filmmaker's
family’s journey from the South to Philadelphia into the broader history of Black people in the United States. Within that
history are elements of conflict, class tensions, and competing visions of their place in the mosaic that makes up the diversity
of America. With such a complex foundation, the first episode lays the groundwork for a series that can only explore the issues
presented with even more depth and vision. Every American needs to see this series because even though it is a story of
Blacks in the United States, it is very much a story of America within the context of our complicated history of race and class,
the legacies of which are still so much a part of modern society.
Diane B.
what people are
what people are
saying:
saying:
Director and Director of Photography of hundreds of films over a long career as a filmmaker and
journalist, Carstarphen is a former Directing Fellow at the esteemed American Film Institute
Conservatory in Hollywood. He was also a graduate of Temple University's film program in his hometown
of Philadelphia Pa. and has taught university-level production and screenwriting in Texas. His work in film
and television has been honored for decades, by organizations such as The Associated Press and The
Cannes Film Festival. He began his career as a network television cinematographer, videographer, field
producer and editor, screening on ABC, CBS, PBS, MSNBC, other major networks as well as dozens of
Fortune 500 companies. In THE LAST PHILADELPHIA, he combines AI generative imagery and video to
create a unique vision of American history.
Based in Dallas, he is married to Susan, a Korean-American artist.
about the
about the
filmmaker
filmmaker
MEA CULPA
THE WEEKEND OF OUR
DISCONTENT
FLMKR
A captivating urban thriller that
expertly mixes the thrill of a secret
love affair with a compelling
whodunit and a touch of ghostly
intrigue. Written, directed,
photographed and edited by John
Carstarphen. Produced by Rebecca
Rice.
Get ready to dive into a twisted
psychological thriller where a
Shakespeare-loving professor unravels
the mystery behind a student's demise
while her own world crumbles around
her. Written, produced, directed,
photographed and edited by John
Carstarphen. Winner, Paul Robeson
Award, Newark Black Film Festival.
An electrifying noir-style comedy where a
determined female independent film
director battles the glass ceiling while her
pals vanish mysteriously into thin air.
OFFICIAL SELECTION, CANNES FILM
FESTIVAL FORUM. Written, directed,
photographed and edited by John
Carstarphen. Produced by Rebecca Rice.
photo credit: Kate Hillburn
pictured: Helena Prince as Elizabeth
pictured: James Kille and Susanna Guzman
a legendary artistic
a legendary artistic
vision
vision
Thank you
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Press
copyright 2025 John Carstarphen dba Carstarfilm
johncarstarphen@gmail.com