A Carny Life For Me

Benjamin and I have been hitting the road to sling zines at magical movie palaces across the land and this has been an extremely eventful week for MovieJawn. As you’re reading this, we are presently attending a matinee of Oscar Micheaux’s silent film, Body and Soul at The Colonial Theatre with live organ accompaniment. This marks my fifth outing in a row and, despite being exhausted, I also feel incredibly fortunate to be in this moment.

I come from a long line of carnies, so this is on the go life is not new territory for me. Much of my childhood weekends were spent peddling produce at flea markets with my family and napping on the back of a flatbed truck. MovieJawn has been growing leaps and bounds. It finally feels after ten years we are having our moment, and I can’t be more thrilled about what the future holds. I am having a blast meeting so many rad cinephiles, seeing so many wonderful motion pictures and watching MovieJawn grow.

In many ways, what we are doing reminds me of the Lumière Brothers. They were a couple of pioneer filmmakers in the 1890s that would take their films on the road, setting up pop up theater exhibitions to show people the marvel of the moving image. Along the way they made personal connections and, more importantly, spread the good word of CINEMA. Ben and I may not be showing actual films, but we are sharing our love of motion pictures with others. One thing is certain: the carny life is tough but it’s far better than spending an existence in a cubicle. Sometimes we sell one zine, sometimes it is a bakers dozen. Regardless, each bring us closer to accomplishing the ultimate goal: CINEMA CHURCH 

MovieJawn’s Winter 2025 print issue theme was letters, postal carriers and post offices featured in cinema. With every edition of MovieJawn we always include a themed goodie. Based on the postal theme, it was the perfect time to unveil a brainstorm that I had been working on for quite some time… THE CINEMATIC PENPAL

The Cinematic Penpal Program matches cinephiles from coast to coast with the goal to create friendship through film. It’s been incredible to witness how this has taken off and it absolutely warms my heart. Snail mail is such a wonderful pick-me up! Nothing beats finding an exquisitely handwritten note in your mailbox after a grim day.

We have been including this postcard with each MovieJawn order and have made them available at the in person events we attend. People love it and, as long completed cards keep showing up in our MovieJawn postal box, I’ll keep making matches.

This week I am proud of… my review of Osgood Perkins’s film, The Monkey for MovieJawn. Read it here

This week I recommend… Levain Bakery

This is a recent sweet treat destination that I have discovered here in Philadelphia, and have fallen head over heels for their cookies. After leaving an appointment with my therapist a few weeks ago, I noticed a line around the corner leading up to the door of Levain Bakery. I made a mental note and looked it up my personal computer when I got home. At five dollars and some change a cookie, I had to see what the fuss was all about. Well my friends, after the first bite I was hooked. The cookies are out of this world and I welcome anyone who is willing and able to please sign me up for the cookie of the month club. My sprinkle factory will be forever grateful.

Happy you are here.xx.goodbye.

Tell a friend.