Hazel’s reflections from a year of curated films


Sometimes, committing to one curated film a month can lead to unexpected shifts in how you see films — and yourself.

That’s exactly what Hazel, a longtime member of Reel Ruminators, has experienced.

In this week’s podcast episode, she reflects on what she’s taken away from a year of participating — and how that simple, consistent practice has shaped the way she approaches films.

We talked about:

  • What happens when you watch films that aren't suggested by an algorithm.
  • Why gathering with film lovers from around the world can change the way you see a film.
  • Why some of the most surprising film conversations happen in spaces where no one needs to agree.
  • The “aha” moments that can sneak up on you while watching and reflecting on a film.
  • The lasting rewards of being exposed to films you might have otherwise overlooked.

This episode is a thoughtful conversation about taste, curiosity, and the unexpected pleasures of watching together.

🎧 Listen to Hazel’s story here.

—Alex


Don't want to receive updates on the Seventh Row Podcast?

Click here to opt out of future emails about the Seventh Row Podcast

Seventh Row

Seventh Row is a nonprofit Canadian film criticism publication and publishing house. We're dedicated to helping you expand your horizons by curating the best socially progressive films from around the world and helping you think deeply about them. This newsletter is run by Seventh Row (http://seventh-row.com) but features exclusive content not found on the website.

Read more from Seventh Row

On Tuesday, I’m offering The Short Take — a free, one-time-only live workshop I’ve run once before — but I’m not sure I’ll ever run it again. We’ll be watching a 22-minute fiction-documentary hybrid short from 2017— the year Britain marked the 50th anniversary of decriminalizing homosexuality. The BFI commissioned this film, along with several others, to look back on that history. The film is thought-provoking and layered — and invites you to really look at how queer history is told, and who...

I recently discovered a tiny pasta shop a few blocks from my apartment (aptly named Tiny Market), where every weekend, they offer a different fresh pasta for takeout. They sell out fast. And if you snooze, they may never bring that particular recipe back. So time and again, I've found myself trying out pastas that I never would have ordered at a restaurant. I'm still thinking about a pasta I took a chance on a month ago, and loved enough to go back for twice in three days. Now, they sell...

Hello Reader, Welcome to your July edition of The Globetrotting Watchlist. This month, I'm recommending a couple recent festival gems that are now on VOD. Whether you’re a longtime Globetrotting Watchlist subscriber or Film Adventurer/Cinephile Member, or just finding your way here, thank you. Your support helps to keep Seventh Row nonprofit, ad-free, and fiercely independent. What's Inside the Globetrotting Newsletter This month, I'm recommending: A Palestinian film about the limbo of...