For Haleem Muhsin, the evolution of Film.Cen.Tric has become about far more than screenings — it’s about trust, consistency, and creative connection. As the platform continues to grow, its fourth‑Friday rhythm has fostered a space where filmmakers develop confidence, collaborate organically, and feel genuinely supported. From spotlighting powerful stories like Just Breathe by Erick Reyes to building toward residencies and a full Film & Arts Festival, Haleem is shaping a community where showing up can truly change everything.
Haleem, for readers who may be new or catching up since your last feature, how would you describe the continued growth and evolving mission of Film.Cen.Tric over the past few months?
This journey has been inspiring and honestly life-changing…for me, our team, and the community. Over the past few months, we’ve felt a real shift: more interest, stronger films, and filmmakers stepping into our space with greater intention. The bar keeps rising every month.
We’re only in year three, but Film.Cen.Tric Where the Unconventional Meets Cinematic Expression is becoming more than an event…it’s becoming a trusted platform. That growth is possible because South Florida’s independent film community continues to believe in what we’re building. And we’re building it together.
Your upcoming February 27 screening features Just Breathe by Erick Reyes — what drew you to this film, and why was it important to spotlight this particular story and filmmaker?
Erick Reyes is an incredible director and an even better human being. Many know him for music videos, but he’s recently stepped into narrative filmmaking. I’ve followed his journey for a while and always admired how he channels his life experiences into his art.
When he first announced the trailer for Just Breathe, he later put it on hold after a tough year. I reached out to encourage him because I knew our community would support him. Months later, he reached back out wanting to get involved. Now we’re honored to debut him as a filmmaker and world premiere his film.
The film is technically strong, but more importantly, it addresses domestic violence…a topic that deserves more awareness. At Film.Cen.Tric, we believe film and community can help create safer spaces. This story aligns deeply with that mission.
Hosting screenings every fourth Friday has become a consistent rhythm — how has that regular cadence impacted the local creative community and the relationships being built through these events?
Consistency creates breakthroughs.
Our fourth Friday model is intentional. We spotlight one filmmaker at a time because we’re a film exhibition, not a film festival. There’s no competition, just development.
Each filmmaker prepares a presentation as part of their Q&A. It’s a workshop component where they walk us through their process, decisions, and journey. It pushes them to command a room and refine their pitch. Half of filmmaking is pitching, and we want our creatives confident in rooms that can change their lives.
The ripple effect has been powerful. People meet at Film.Cen.Tric and end up collaborating on sets weeks later. No budget? No problem. The relationships built in our space carry back into the community. That consistency builds trust…people know they have a home here.
Film.Cen.Tric provokes, entertains, educates, and inspires…but most importantly, it connects. And connection fast-tracks creative journeys.
As Film.Cen.Tric continues to expand, what excites you most about where this momentum is heading in 2026?
What excites me most is expanding opportunity.
We’re working toward launching our 3-month residency program, designed to provide mentorship and real-world experience from film industry professionals. We’re also building toward our first fully realized Film & Arts Festival.
I won’t lie…it makes me anxious sometimes because they’re ambitious goals, especially while maintaining our monthly commitment, but I believe in our team and this community. Every time we stretch, the community stretches with us. That’s what gives me confidence about what’s ahead.
How can filmmakers, creatives, and supporters best get involved or support the upcoming screenings and the broader Film.Cen.Tric community?
Show up.
Come to the next screening. Bring someone. Spread the word that there’s a platform dedicated to South Florida independent filmmakers.
We truly believe this region has world-class talent. We call ourselves the East Coast LA because the talent here deserves that level of respect and visibility.
Our website is launching soon, but for now, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Posh at @film.cen.tric for updates on Film.Cen.Tric Fridays and upcoming initiatives.
One night can change everything…but you have to be willing to walk through the door.
As a final note, I just wanted to say that we’re grateful to Voyage Magazine for continuing to provide platforms like this that amplify community-driven creatives and entrepreneurs. Opportunities like this allow our voice…and the voices of the filmmakers we serve, to be heard on a broader scale. Thank you for being part of the journey.
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