On July 30^th local filmmakers and actors got to join M. Night Shyamalan in the celebration of the 20^th anniversary of his masterpiece The Sixth Sense - one of the most famous and highest-grossing psychological thrillers in the world.

The event started with a VIP reception, followed by the film’s screening at the Philadelphia Film Center - the same theater where the film premiered in 1999!  After the screening, Director M. Night Shyamalan and Film Society Executive Director J. Andrew Greenblatt discussed how the film was made, giving the audience an opportunity to ask questions. Guests learned many intriguing behind the scenes facts about the movie and Shyamalan’s path to success. The conversation was so friendly and personal, accompanied by jokes and laughter, that it felt more like a night out with a friend than a meeting with the legend. John Rusk, the first Assistant Director of The Sixth Sense and PAFIA Board Member, also attended the event, and fans got a chance to meet Shyamalan’s right hand man who helped bring this pièce de résistance to life.

M. Night Shyamalan resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is the pride and glory of the Pennsylvania film community. “All these ideas, they come to me based on our city and where we live – this incredible place,” says Shyamalan about Philadelphia. He works primarily in PA and every one of his films is an award-winning blockbuster. His path to success, filled with stories of hard work and perseverance, serve as the true inspiration to the local filmmakers.

All proceeds from the event benefit two great organizations with wonderful missions: the Philadelphia Film Society and M. Night Shyamalan Foundation.

Philadelphia Film Society creates opportunities for diverse communities to experience film through initiatives that inspire, educate, challenge and entertain.

The M. Night Shyamalan Foundation supports the grassroots efforts of emerging leaders as they work to eliminate the barriers created by poverty and social injustice in their communities.