Zoe Feldman, one of three PJFM New Media Fellows. Courtesy of Zoe Feldman.Podcast lovers out there, you’ll want to hear this! There is a new one coming…and it’s Jewish-themed…AND Philly-themed. Zoe Feldman, one of three PJFM Jewish New Media Fellows, is at work on A Jewish Jawn, an upcoming, biweekly podcast where she and a new guest discuss finding community, Jewish artistic histories, and what it means to identify as a Jewish creative today.
What is a Jewish New Media Fellow? Beginning in the summer of 2022, PJFM teamed up with Tribe 12 to start a Jewish New Media Fellowship. Three applicants, all sharing a love of creative digital media content, were selected under the tutelage of both organizations and Elaine Lindy, PJFM’s Presenting Sponsor. Each Fellow crafted together an original, virtual initiative with a Jewish angle to engage peers (publicly) through social media. The essential goal of the fellowship was to select one type or a collection of new media platforms – such as YouTube, TikTok, podcasts, etc. – and come up with their own content for not just PJFM and Tribe 12’s viewers but ALL viewers who are as obsessed with new media as I am, at least.
New media, as you may take it, has become a part of everyday life. Obviously, we’ve had versions of it, like Instagram and YouTube, for quite a while now, but being stuck at home during lockdown was a catalyst for the emergence of new and up-and-coming digital content creators. They’re everywhere now. Individuals from around the globe are becoming celebrities by simply taking their phone and recording their own content.
An actor, filmmaker, and intimacy director, Zoe has an appetite for absurd and surreal stories that move us to take better care of ourselves, each other, and the planet. A graduate of the University of the Arts, she has worked with Azuka, InterAct, Theater Ariel, The Tank, The Wilma Theater, and Playwrights Horizons. As an actor, she has also worked with Scythian Productions on their short film, Tips Up. Other short film acting credits include Hey Sexy (Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, Smodcastle Film Festival) and Mirror Image (Independent Days International Film Festival, Jahorina Film Festival, & Melbourne Underground Film Festival).
Check out my interview with her below.
So Zoe, tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do?
I’m an actor, filmmaker, and an intimacy director for plays and short films. (More about that here!) I’ve done some producing and designing, but for the most part, I stick to those lanes.
What has it been like being a part of the Jewish New Media Fellowship?
It’s been challenging! Typically, I’m only involved in one part of media creation. This is one of my first experiences ideating a project, pitching it, working to actualize it, and following it through to completion. I’m learning a lot.
Tell us a little bit about your project.
A Jewish Jawn is a podcast where young, Jewish creators in Philadelphia are highlighted. We really just explore how Judaism impacts our art. We talk about historical context for their work and try to start building this conversation for other Jewish artists to continue.
How important do you think new media is in everyday life?
Oh, it’s crucial. I mean, it’s everywhere. New media is becoming constant, unavoidable, and influential in ways we maybe aren’t even aware of yet. There’s a lot of noise, though. What’s really important, now, is to make sure that the new media being produced is intentional about what message is being imparted and tuned into how people are responding. Am I sharing this because I think it’s funny? Because it’s going to change someone’s mind? Because I feel good when I get attention? Or because there is something that actually needs to be expressed and that will resonate with other people? With new media, everyone has an audience and is an audience member. Therefore, what are we all trying to do with that?
Is there a digital content creator who you’re a big fan of at the moment?
Whoever is running the Are.na instagram is doing great work. Are.na is sort of like if Wikipedia, Pinterest, Tumblr, and JSTOR had a baby. Over on their Instagram, once a week or so, they post a series of related quotes, thoughts, images, and graphs and the sum of each piece of media is always greater than its parts. I highly, highly recommend. Also, Clara Perlmutter (@tinyjewishgirl). She’s a fashion… person? I’m hesitant to call her a blogger, but her style is just super eclectic and wild.
Totally non-Fellowship related question: what’s your favorite movie?
I hate this question! I never know the answer! It’s always changing! I just watched C’mon C’mon the other day and loved it.
Stay tuned for the premiere of A JEWISH JAWN. Coming soon!