178. What happened when Hazel trusted my film curation

What happens when you watch a film — not just to be entertained — but to reflect, notice, and share?

In this episode, Alex Heeney (curator of Reel Ruminators) sits down with Hazel Shaw, a UK member of the community, to uncover what really makes this unique movie-of-the-month space so rewarding — and how it sparks discoveries you might not expect.

Together, they talk 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 overlooked on your own.

Whether you’re already curious about Reel Ruminators or simply interested in what happens when film-watching becomes a shared, intentional practice, this episode offers a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look — with reflections that may just surprise you, too.

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