Catch-all | film, television, pop culture, & nearly everything in-between

#RESISTANCE Playlist

by Julia Van Valkenburg

With major news breaking every single day, the enormity of the issues that we’re dealing with in the U.S. and abroad can seem insurmountable. In America, I feel as though we’re on the verge of a collective meltdown. Stress and tensions are mounting and the government seems to be doing everything it can to weaken the people. From blocking refugees, to pulling out of...

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Culture, Featured, Music, Playlist

On America, Mobility, & Freedom in “Easy Rider”

by Julia Van Valkenburg

“A man went looking for America, but he couldn’t find it anywhere.” Few taglines remain relevant long after a film’s release, but Easy Rider’s ominous warning (“he couldn’t find it anywhere”) maintains its potency nearly 50 years after its debut. In David Laderman’s Driving Visions, he situates the road film genre within an explicitly American context and characterizes Easy Rider (Dennis Hopper, 1969) as...

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Culture, Featured, Movies, Thoughts

Visiting the Huntington

by Julia Van Valkenburg

I’ve been meaning to visit The Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino for over two years, and finally went with my sister recently. Below are photos we took in the various gardens, which span 120 acres and include a Desert Garden, Japanese Garden, and Chinese Garden, among others. The photos below do not do The Huntington justice, so I recommend spending the day there...

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Culture, Featured, LA, Photos, Travel

Fast Fashion & “The True Cost”

by Julia Van Valkenburg

The True Cost is one of those documentaries that everyone should watch, and then tell their friends and family to see too. I discovered the film after a friend told me it was necessary viewing, and I’m so grateful for her insistence. In order to be conscientious consumers, it’s imperative that we know where our clothes come from, who’s making it, and how they’re being treated. The True...

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Culture, Documentary, Fashion, Featured, Lifestyle, Movies, Netflix

The Lessons I Had to Learn in Order to Survive Grad School

by Julia Van Valkenburg

WOOHOO. I did what I honestly wasn’t sure I’d be able to do and finished graduate school. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree at such a prestigious university, but ultimately I’m most thankful for how I’ve grown as a person over these past two years. No matter what you’re studying, graduate school is extremely time-consuming, stressful, and often highly competitive. In...

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Featured, Thoughts

Final Thoughts Before the Return of “Twin Peaks”

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Tonight’s the night! After re-watching Fire Walk With Me I have some final thoughts I wanted to put out there before the series premiere. *SPOILERS AHEAD* ON NOSTALGIA I’ve certainly been critical of “nostalgia-TV” in the past (see my post on Fuller House), and am particularly weary of 90’s specific reboots and revivals – but unlike other shows, the Twin Peaks return doesn’t bother me. Is my love for the...

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Culture, Featured, Icon, Nostalgia, Thoughts, TV

Summer Mood

Although it’s not technically summer yet, it sure feels like it to me. Last fall I posted a “mood board”...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

It Is Happening Again: “Twin Peaks” is Almost Back

After over 25 years, Twin Peaks is returning to television on Sunday, May 21st and I am so, so excited! Incase you...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

26 Goals for My 26th Year

For the past couple of years I’ve done a post on my birthday (last year’s was 25 of my...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Reflections on “Emerson”

It’s my last week of classes at USC before I graduate, which basically means it’s my final week of school ever since...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Business & Leisure in San Diego

This past weekend my sister accompanied me to San Diego, CA, where I presented a paper at the Popular...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Migraine Madness

A few months ago I wrote a post on my horrifying experience while taking a migraine medication. Now, I’ve...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

PLAYLIST: Current Mood

Listed below is a bit of what I’ve been listening to lately – what I’m calling my current mood playlist....

by Julia Van Valkenburg

The 7 Blogging Rules I’m Always Breaking

Lately I’ve been thinking about all of the sort of universal blogging and social media marketing rules that I...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Watch Abha Dawesar’s TED Talk: “Life in the ‘Digital Now'&...

I don’t often watch or listen to TED Talks, but when I happen across one while endlessly scrolling online...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Fun with Vinyl

My boyfriend and I, after years of wanting one, finally invested in a record player. Though I’m guilty of romanticizing...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

February 28, 2017

Positive Change as an Individual

In these socially and politically tumultuous times, I think it’s important to reflect on what we can do as individuals to...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

February 14, 2017

Resistance Podcasts

Here’s a list of some of the resistance-related podcasts I’ve come across in recent weeks. My favorite so far...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

February 10, 2017

Riding the Pacific Surfliner

This past weekend I rode Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to San Diego & back. Here’s a diary...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

February 2, 2017

On Nostalgia & the Home in “Fuller House”

Nostalgia-TV has had a recognizable presence in the American televisual landscape for the last decade – from Hawaii Five-O...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 31, 2017

Watch “Hate Rising” with Jorge Ramos

I first heard about Univision anchor Jorge Ramos’ documentary, Hate Rising, from an interview on NPR that aired in the fall (listen...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 27, 2017

Freedom & Indulgence on the Vegas Strip

Ah, the Las Vegas Strip. You’d think I hate Las Vegas based on my aversion to greed, mass consumption, and...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 23, 2017

PHOTOS: Women’s March Los Angeles

The Women’s March on Washington went global y’all (see: Pictures From Women’s Marches on Every Continent). And the Los Angeles...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 19, 2017

UPDATED: Resistance Resources

With one day left until the inauguration, I wanted to share relevant resources for taking part in resisting this administration...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 18, 2017

Resistance Reading List

Ready to resist the new administration and the damage and cultural effects this campaign and election have had, and will...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 17, 2017

Why I’m Scared

This Friday a new president is going to take his place in the White House, along with a herd...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 6, 2017

Side-Effect Nightmares

This is a topic I’ve been considering writing about for some time, but it never felt right. Yet now, for...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

October 23, 2016

Getting Lucky

I used to work for a person who was a total jerk but gave me some sound career and life...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

October 17, 2016

Among the Trees at Sequoia National Park

A few weeks ago my parents visited and we took a weekend trip to Sequoia National Park. Out in nature...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

October 14, 2016

That Fall Feeling

Things are starting to cool off here in Los Angeles and I’m getting a bit of that fall feeling. There’s...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

October 10, 2016

25 Reasons Why I’m Voting for Hillary Clinton

Here are 25 reasons why I’m voting for Hillary Clinton this November: Hillary Clinton is the most experienced person to have...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

October 6, 2016

LUNAFEST: Supporting Women in Film

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to attend LUNAFEST in Los Angeles, an evening celebrating films made by, for, and...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 29, 2016

The Benefits of Blogging

I’ve been blogging for a few years now and it’s something I feel passionately about and love doing. Here are...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 25, 2016

Snapshots from Coronado Island

A few weekends ago I had the chance to visit Coronado Island, just across the water from San Diego, CA....

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 21, 2016

Millennials & the Age of Social Media

For the first time in U.S. history it’s been predicted that the current crop of young-adults (also known as Generation Y...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 14, 2016

Trailers for Some of My Favorite Cult Classics

From magnificent treasures, to movies so bad that they’re good, here are the trailers to some of my all-time...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 12, 2016

Revisiting My Undergraduate Thesis Film

As I enter my last year of graduate school, I’ve found myself reflecting on my undergraduate years, almost longing...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 8, 2016

Words of Wisdom from the Wisest of Them All, Oprah Winfrey

Today marks the 30th anniversary of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which premiered on September 8, 1986. The series, which is...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 5, 2016

Essential Resources for Media Scholars & Fans

Whether you study media, teach media, or are just into media – the internet is full of resources. Below is...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 28, 2016

The Best Vegan Cooking Shows Online

If you’ve been following my blog within the past year, you may know that I made the transition from...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 17, 2016

My Advice for Incoming Grad Students

After completing my first year of graduate school, I jotted down a list of things I had learned and...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 14, 2016

Database as Artistic Form

“Database as Artistic Form” is a video project that I completed this past spring for an interactive media course...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 12, 2016

What Film School Taught Me as a BFA

Though it’s been a little over three years since I completed my undergraduate program at The University of Arizona, I’ve...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

‘Little Miss Sunshine’ Turns 10

Little Miss Sunshine was released 10 years ago today, on July 26, 2006. Though a decade old, the film still resonates...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

La Filmothèque: An Online Film Library

I recently discovered La Filmothèque, a web-based public domain film library, and I thought it would be a great resource to share...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

6 Great Road Trip Films

When I think of summer, one of the first things that comes to mind is road trips. Exploration, freedom, discovery…rediscovery....

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Social Media as Social Justice

I haven’t posted in a while because it’s been “one of those weeks” – or more like two. I’ve...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Keep Portland Weird!

During a recent trip to Portland, OR, I spotted the “Keep Portland Weird” mural I recognized from Portlandia, and I...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Embracing Failure

When I first started this blog (once upon a time called juliavanvalkenburg.com, ha!) I wrote a post about embracing...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

The Best of Broadly

Today I wanted to post some of my favorite videos from Broadly’s YouTube channel. Broadly is a feminist offshoot...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

A Letter to Los Angeles

Dear Los Angeles, I’ve been living in your expansive, complex, beautiful sprawl for over a year now, and it’s been quite...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Video of the Day: ‘Fighting For Flint’

The Flint, Michigan, water crisis is an immense tragedy that is largely underreported on a national level. What has...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

A Day in Santa Barbara, CA

A few weekends ago I took a day trip with my boyfriend to Santa Barbara, CA, just 80 minutes north...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Exploring “Twin Peaks”

In honor of Twin Peaks Day, I’m reposting this video essay I made on the series last spring. Enjoy,...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

5 Essential Food & Agriculture Docs on Netflix

I believe that it is immensely important that we know where our food comes from. Not only is it in...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

My Favorite Quotes from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “We Should All Be...

“The person more qualified to lead is not the physically stronger person. It is the more intelligent, the more knowledgeable, the...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

‘Thelma & Louise’ Turns 25

Thelma & Louise (dir. Ridley Scott) premiered on May 24th, 1991, making today the 25th anniversary of the film. At the...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Tips on Marketing Your Short Film or Web Series

How To Market Your Short Film or Web Series [ and spread the word about your fundraising campaign ]...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Some Movies That I Simply Can’t Stand

I don’t typically like writing negatively about films (because it takes so much hard work and creativity to make a movie)...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

The Decay of Cinema or a New Cine-love?

I recently read Susan Sontag’s “The Decay of Cinema,” published in the New York Times in 1996, for the undergraduate...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

‘Under The Gun’: Examining the Gun Debate

Last week I had the chance to attend the Los Angeles premiere of Under the Gun, directed by Stephanie Soechtig...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Barrio Viejo, Tucson

Last weekend I was searching through my computer and rediscovered these photos I took in Tucson just a little over...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

25 Things

Last year I shared 24 things I’ve learned in 24 years. Now, exactly one year later, I’m turning 25,...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Practicing Self-care

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political welfare.” – Audre...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Gender & Representation

A couple of years ago I stumbled across Miss Representation on Netflix, and after reading the film’s description, I decided to...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Happy Earth Day!

I’m no scientist, but this I know: if we continue treating our planet without care or compassion, the repercussions...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Happy International Women’s Day!

Happy International Women’s Day! Historically, women have been erased or excluded from countless professional arenas. This occurrence of exclusion and...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

8 Social Media Tips for Indie Filmmakers

I think I have a fairly strong grasp on marketing, specifically social media marketing, and how to expand the reach...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

The Politics of Waiting: Those Who Wait & Those Who Don’t

“…modern society might easily be divided into two classes: those who have to wait and those who don’t,” (Ambient...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

February 26, 2016

Revisiting ‘Cowtown Keeylocko’

After graduating from The University of Arizona, I landed a dead-end job that I held onto until I found the...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

February 17, 2016

Watch ‘The Wolfpack’ – A Mesmerizing Documentary That’s...

Directed by Crystal Moselle, The Wolfpack journey’s into the secluded lives of six brothers who had non-traditional upbringings, characterized by a...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

February 15, 2016

Visiting Farm Sanctuary

Farm Sanctuary is a non-profit that is devoted to protecting farm animals from cruelty, while also working to inspire people to...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 28, 2016

50 Facts | Get to Know Me Better

I’ve reached a point where I have no idea what this blog’s identity is, really, other than that I like...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 20, 2016

A Day at Joshua Tree National Park

During the summer before my junior year of college I saved up to buy my very own camera. Other than my...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 18, 2016

Words of Wisdom from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'” “Nothing in all the world is more...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 16, 2016

Reflections – Politics, Award Shows, & the Words We Choose

Oh life, isn’t it complicated? My spring semester started this week, so I’ve had less time to dedicate to this...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 7, 2016

A Weekend in San Francisco

I spent last weekend in San Francisco with my boyfriend and wow, did we have a blast! It was...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

December 31, 2015

NYE Cocktails + Resolutions

This New Years Eve I’m staying in and lying low, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to indulge...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

December 18, 2015

Ways to Break Out of a Creative Rut

This was originally posted last February, but I’m back in a creative rut and I thought it was the perfect time to...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

December 6, 2015

DIVERSITY in the Words of Ava DuVernay

In this short video produced by TIFF, Ava DuVernay discusses the importance of featuring diverse voices in front of...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

December 4, 2015

Study Tunes

With finals coming up, I thought it would be a good time to share some of my favorite study...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

November 22, 2015

20 Facts on the 20th Anniversary of ‘Toy Story’

Toy Story was released on November 22, 1995, when I was only four years old. As much as my childhood memories...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

November 19, 2015

Get Off Your Phone

I’m certainly guilty of spending too much time looking at my phone in public, but I’ve decided to make...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

November 17, 2015

Need a Pep-Talk? Here are 15 Quotes to Brighten Your Day

With my first semester of graduate school coming to an end, I’ve been seriously stressed out and my self-esteem...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

October 18, 2015

If You Care About Our Environment, Then You Must Watch ‘Cowspiracy’

As a vegetarian for the past decade or so, I’ve been well aware of the ethical implications of eating meat,...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 11, 2015

Brief Thoughts on Netflix & Other Streaming Services

In a recent interview with Vulture, Quentin Tarantino voiced his opposition to streaming on a small screen: “It’s just a generational...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 29, 2015

My High School Playlist

After perusing my iTunes library, which I honestly haven’t used much since high school, I was instantly hit with an intense...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 23, 2015

Yes, I Want to Share Another LA Video

This may be the fourth or fifth time I’ve shared a similar video – one that features swooping images...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 17, 2015

My 5 Favorite De Niro Performances

If you asked me who my favorite actor is I’d proudly proclaim ROBERT DE NIRO, along with thousands upon...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 15, 2015

Summer of Independence

The summer I attended the Cannes Film Festival and spent three weeks in Italy was definitely the best of my life, but this...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 14, 2015

Crowdfunding Tips for Filmmakers

For many, crowdfunding is an excellent way to fundraise for a short film or web series. For those who are trying it out...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

August 10, 2015

Moving Away From Home & Easing the Transition

It doesn’t matter what point in your life you find yourself, moving away from home can be extremely difficult....

by Julia Van Valkenburg

My Favorite TV Intros of All Time

In no specific order, here are a few of my favorite TV intros of all time. Be sure to share...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

A Response to Michael Eisner’s Comment That Beautiful, Funny Women Are Hard to...

Earlier this week, during a conversation with Goldie Hawn at the Aspen Ideas Festival, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner shared...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

GRL PWR PLYLST

This playlist is for anyone in need of a little extra girl power in their lives. Enjoy, and please share your favorite anthems...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

My Month Working in Beverly Hills

Oh Beverly Hills. So posh. So beautiful. So vapid. Believe it or not, I’m an enormous fan of Bravo’s...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Unsettling & Beautiful: ‘A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night’

I’m not one for reviewing movies, so lets call this a brief one-sided discussion in which you are welcome...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Revisiting My First Blog: Girl in Cannes

I recently rediscovered my first blog from almost three years ago, Girl in Cannes, and thought it would be...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

What I’ve Learned Thus Far: 24 Things in 24 Years

1. In everything you do, stay true to yourself. 2. Embrace your mistakes. 3. Know that people act in...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Skid Row & Los Angeles’ Income Gap

Yesterday I showed up to work two hours early, so I originally wrote this post sitting in a coffee shop, drinking...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Advocating on the Behalf of Journals Everywhere

I’m a serious advocate for journaling – is that technically a “real” word yet? Let me count the ways… →...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Audre Lorde On Fear, Strength, Living, & Learning From Our Differences

“When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

10 Facts About Francis Ford Coppola on His Birthday

1. Francis Ford Coppola was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 7th, 1939, but grew up in a New...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

First and Final Frames: A Side-By-Side Comparison

This beautiful short film cuts together the first and last shots of several iconic films. Some of my favorite...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

Exploring Gender & Race On-Screen

When I graduated in 2013 and started this blog, I began to watch films more critically and evaluate them...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

January 26, 2015

Who Says It Has to Be Modest? A Feminist Perspective on the Bikini

The following is a response to Jessica Rey’s speech regarding bikinis. Please watch the video here prior to reading:...

by Lacey Bonham

December 29, 2014

‘Boyhood’: In Defense of My Dissenting Opinion

I’m very opinionated about what I like and dislike, but I’m also keenly aware that my opinion is simply...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

December 8, 2014

Keep Your Eyes on Your Own Paper

In a roundtable interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Laura Dern said that when her third grade teacher told her to keep...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

November 5, 2014

Why I Can’t Stand Facebook

Facebook is a self-esteem killer – studies even prove it. More so than Twitter or Instagram, Facebook is designed so you...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 18, 2013

‘Drinking Buddies’ Review

Drinking Buddies, written and directed by Joe Swanberg, is a romantic comedy starring Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick, and...

by Julia Van Valkenburg

September 16, 2013

Interview with ‘Autism in Love’ Producer, Carolina Groppa

What is love? What does love feel like? How do you know that you’ve fallen in love? Romance and...

by Julia Van Valkenburg