Hello Reader,

On Friday, I introduced you to Nancy and her journey with Reel Ruminators to discovering and enjoying international films she hadn't previously heard of — and heightening her appreciation of the individual films and film more generally.

Today, I want to address something I hear often from people considering Reel Ruminators:

"Why would I want to discuss movies on Zoom with strangers?"

If you've thought this too, you're not alone.

But here's what Reel Ruminators member Hazel wants you to know:

The live discussion gives her the urgency and accountability to watch a good film so she can participate

“I like knowing that, at the beginning of the month, I’ll find out what the movie is, and at the end of the month, we’ll talk about it. I'll generally watch the film maybe a week before, but I'll probably have already read and downloaded the discussion questions within the first week of the month. I already have a bit of framing in my head and taking root. After the conversation, I often want to watch the film again because maybe it will hit me a different way the second time, and I have new lenses to look through.

The live discussion makes the whole month work. I like having the urgency to watch something that isn't just looking at the gazillion films available and trying to figure out what I'm in the mood for. With Reel Ruminators, I have one movie where I’m told this is good, and I have some accountability to make sure I watch the film. There is intelligent conversation to be had, so I need to ensure that I have seen the film so I can be part of it. Watching it and taking part in the conversation is so rewarding.”

The discussion helps her to reflect more deeply on her response to the film.

“I tend to reflect on what I watch, but it's not guaranteed I'm going to think in great depth if I don't have to. I often will, but not always. The discussion is an opportunity to work on what I think, express it, get responses, and respond to other people.

I can think something about a film, and then as someone articulates a point, my brain expands on it in a particular direction, which maybe changes what I thought about the film.

Someone else having a completely different read on a film or scene can help clarify my thoughts, and another person might articulate what I'd understood but couldn't explain."

"Getting to know people across the world makes me feel very connected."

“It also means everyone is coming at the film from different frames of reference. It helps me understand that I’m coming at things from a particular angle that’s influenced not just by who I am in my life but also where I’ve grown up — and other people are doing the same. It’s not something we’re always directly talking about, but it shapes the discussions quite a bit.”

Here’s the truth: The discussion is about more than just whether other members have deep insights, although I always learn from them.

The live discussion gives structure to the month and offers an opportunity to reflect more on your response to the film in dialogue with other film lovers from around the world.

Here’s Hazel: “It's a little session of community. We're all here because we trust Alex, and we're all here because we've seen this film, and we all want to share our thoughts and discover others’.”

Ready to join the next discussion?

​>> Click here to join Reel Ruminators <<​

The cost is $80 USD for 3 months OR $30 USD per month.

Doors close on Thursday, March 6 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Alex

P.S. When you join Reel Ruminators today, you will get immediate access to the March 2025 edition, including three bonus audio commentaries on scenes from the film. The next discussion date is March 23 at 2 p.m. ET.

P.P.S. If you have any questions, please reply to this email, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.