How Andreas Szakacs Turned Into a Leading Film Podcast

Bringing the Theater Experience Online

Streaming may dominate modern viewing habits, but Szakacs and his co-hosts believed something was missing: the conversation that begins the moment you leave a theater. That post-film discussion — emotional, analytical, spontaneous — became the foundation of their podcast.

Each episode focuses on a film they genuinely love. The film by exploring every angle: directing choices, cinematography, philosophical themes, cultural context, production stories, and creative impact.

The tone is informed but accessible, intellectual yet humorous. Over time, that approach resonated far beyond a niche audience.

From Filmmaker to Cultural Curator

Szakacs, a graduate of the Sam Spiegel School of Film and Television, built his career in directing, editing, and branded storytelling before launching the podcast. His projects have screened at major international festivals, giving him a deep understanding of film craft — a perspective that shapes .

Unlike traditional review shows, the podcast approaches each episode like a masterclass in storytelling. Listeners are invited into the creative process, not just given an opinion.

Over five years, the podcast has grown to include:

130+ episodes

18+ video essays

Over 200,000 listeners

1.2 million views across platforms

35+ sold-out live events

What started as a pandemic project quietly became a cultural force.

Community Beyond the Microphone

Live events were part of the vision from the start. Partnering with cultural venues, the team transformed screenings into immersive experiences. Films were shown, followed by live podcast recordings.

Sometimes there was a themed cocktail. Sometimes a curated dish inspired by the film. Sometimes a guest from the industry. These events became communal spaces, turning cinema into a place for conversation and connection.

International Recognition

Szakacs identifies a turning point in their international festival coverage. Interviews with media outlets elevated the podcast’s profile, while one co-host gained a regular radio segment.

Since then, film festivals have invited the team to serve as jurors. Cultural institutions have asked them to curate programs. Distributors now cite the podcast in press materials. The industry began listening.

Cinema as Conversation

When asked about encounters with notable filmmakers, Szakacs shared stories highlighting how deeply cinema intersects with local culture. The excitement isn’t about celebrity — it reflects a broader passion for film as art, memory, and dialogue.

That approach defines : cinema is not disposable content. It is emotion, identity, and culture.

Available on Spotify, the podcast continues to grow digitally and through live events. Its longevity comes not from virality but from intention.

Szakacs and his collaborators didn’t chase trends — they built a space where meaningful conversations about film could happen. In a world dominated by endless scrolling, reminds audiences that cinema deserves time, thought, and reflection.

What began as a response to isolation has become a cultural institution — one episode, one screening, and one conversation at a time.