Jonathan Bowen's Journey Through Film, Philosophy, and Finding His Way Back

The Staffa Corner

The journey from passionate film enthusiast to director isn't always a straight path. For Jonathan L. Bowen, that journey involved writing 600 movie reviews as a teenager, studying philosophy in college, and experiencing a decade-long gap between his first and second feature films.

Throughout our conversation, Bowen offers fascinating insights into the changing landscape of independent film. He discusses how streaming services have evolved from neutral platforms showcasing diverse content to studios prioritizing their own productions, making it increasingly difficult for true indies to find audiences. Similarly, he notes how major film festivals now favor projects with celebrity involvement over genuinely independent works.

Despite these challenges, Bowen remains optimistic about filmmaking's power to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling. Whether examining the small store versus big store dynamic in the comic book world or exploring how relationships can pull us out of creative ruts, "The Comic Shop" demonstrates that it's never too late to rediscover your passion.

Check out "The Comic Shop" on digital platforms and follow Jonathan Bowen to see what creative projects he tackles next – hopefully in less than another decade!

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Chapters

1. Meet Jonathan Bowen, Film Enthusiast (00:00:00)

2. From Film School to Philosophy (00:07:13)

3. 600 Movie Reviews and Indie Writing (00:16:42)

4. Streaming's Impact on Independent Film (00:26:12)

5. Film Festival Challenges and Changes (00:32:18)

6. The Comic Shop: Personal Filmmaking Journey (00:40:20)

7. Making Movies That Connect (00:49:33)