In an era of algorithm-driven dating and three-second swipe decisions, Dr. Lisa Portolan has built a devoted following by advocating for the opposite: patience, intentionality, and deep connection. As the host of the acclaimed Slow Love podcast, Portolan has dissected modern intimacy with academic rigor and heartfelt vulnerability. Now, she is taking the conversation off-air and into the cinema.
The event, which Portolan will co-host alongside , is designed not as a standard screening, but as a dialogue. The format typically involves a short introduction setting the thematic stage, a screening of a carefully chosen film known for its nuanced portrayal of connection (past selections in the Slow Love universe have included Past Lives , Before Sunrise , or Aftersun ), followed by a guided audience discussion. From Swipe Fatigue to Slow Cinema Portolan’s work is a direct response to what she calls “swipe fatigue”—the burnout associated with dating apps and fast-capitalist romance. Her co-hosting style at film events mirrors her podcast ethos: creating a safe container for vulnerability. lisa portolan slow love podcast co-host film event
“At a typical film event, the credits roll and everyone rushes out, often without processing what they just felt,” she says. “We want to hold that space. We ask questions like: What did that character’s hesitation tell us about trust? How did the pacing of the relationship on screen make you feel in your body? ” In an era of algorithm-driven dating and three-second
Attendees at her previous live events have described the atmosphere as “a book club for the heart,” with some forming lasting friendships (and, on occasion, romances) in the post-screening discussions. The upcoming [Insert Date] event at [Insert Venue] promises to be the most ambitious yet. Portolan and her co-host have selected a film that challenges the typical “happily ever after” narrative, opting instead for a story about long-term commitment, forgiveness, or the quiet moments that define a partnership. Now, she is taking the conversation off-air and
“We’ve forgotten how to be in a room with strangers and talk about something as universal as love,” Portolan notes. “A film acts as a third thing—it’s not about you or me; it’s about what we just saw. That makes it easier to be honest.”
Portolan is set to co-host , a curated film event that promises to do for movie-going what her podcast does for relationships—slow it down, savour it, and unpack the emotional layers. The Intersection of Film and Feeling For Portolan, moving from podcasting to live film hosting is a natural evolution. The Slow Love podcast often uses cultural artefacts—books, TV shows, and yes, movies—as case studies for how we learn to love.