Film Event Best — Lisa Portolan Phd Thesis Podcast

Dr. Lisa Portolan’s PhD thesis laid the groundwork for her public-facing work in podcasts and film events. Her “best” output depends on the audience:

No single film directed by Portolan exists; her role is as a cultural analyst. For the most complete understanding of her ideas, start with her PhD summary article in The Conversation (“How dating apps are changing the nature of intimacy,” 2020).

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Note: This report is synthesized from publicly available academic and media profiles. For direct access to her PhD thesis, search UTS or University of Sydney institutional repositories.

Lisa Portolan is an expert on intimacy, dating apps, and digital culture, particularly known for her research on how technology reshapes romantic relationships 🎓 PhD Thesis and Academic Focus : Investigated and the impact of dating apps on the reproduction or subversion of heteronormativity. Core Research

: Examined how digital platforms influence gender scripts and the "marketisation" of love. Key Finding

: Noted a "circular experience" where users feel trapped in a cycle of swiping and disenchantment. Book Publication : Her research culminated in the book

Love, Intimacy and Online Dating: How a Global Pandemic Redefined Romantic Relationships 🎙️ Podcast and Media Presence : Frequently discusses the intersection of infrastructure in online dating.

: Appears on various Australian and international media as a freelance journalist and academic commentator. Collaborations

: Worked with researchers like Jodi McAlister to study "Jagged Love" during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. 🎬 Film and Creative Work : Released a novel in August 2021 through Simon and Schuster

Lisa Portolan’s work sits at the fascinating intersection of academic rigor and public storytelling. Her PhD research, which delves into the complexities of modern intimacy and dating apps, has gained significant traction not just in scholarly circles, but through high-impact podcasts, film projects, and public events.

If you are looking for the best ways to engage with her insights, this guide covers the highlights of her PhD journey and her most compelling media appearances. The Core of the Research: Lisa Portolan’s PhD Thesis

Lisa Portolan’s doctoral work examines how digital platforms—specifically dating apps—reshape our understanding of love, rejection, and self-worth. Moving beyond the "swipe culture" stereotypes, her thesis explores the labor of intimacy. Subject: Digital intimacy and the sociology of dating apps.

Key Insight: Users often experience "app fatigue" not because of a lack of options, but because of the emotional labor required to maintain a digital persona.

Academic Impact: Her work has been cited for its nuanced take on how algorithms influence human connection. Top Podcast Appearances

Podcasts have become the primary medium for Portolan to translate her complex academic findings into relatable advice. Here are the best episodes to listen to:

The "Slow Love" Narrative: Portolan frequently guests on shows discussing the "Slow Love" movement, advocating for a more intentional approach to digital dating.

Sociology of the Swipe: She has appeared on various social science and lifestyle podcasts to break down why we feel "burnt out" by Tinder and Bumble.

Expert Commentary: Look for her on Australian national radio (ABC) and independent lifestyle podcasts where she provides data-backed commentary on modern relationship trends. Film and Visual Media Projects

Lisa Portolan’s influence extends into the visual realm, where her research provides the backbone for storytelling about modern life.

Documentary Contributions: She has served as a consultant and expert interviewee for documentary projects exploring the "future of love."

Screenwriting & Narrative: Leveraging her background as a writer, Portolan often bridges the gap between academic data and cinematic narrative, helping filmmakers portray realistic digital interactions. Best Public Events and Speaking Engagements

To hear Portolan speak live is to see the "PhD to Public" pipeline in action. She is a frequent fixture at major intellectual and cultural festivals.

Writer’s Festivals: She is a regular speaker at Sydney and Melbourne events, discussing the intersection of technology and the heart.

Academic Symposia: She presents her latest findings at global sociology conferences, often winning praise for her accessible presentation style.

Panel Discussions: From Vivid Sydney to boutique cultural salons, she joins tech founders and psychologists to debate the ethics of the dating industry. Why Her Work Resonates

The reason "Lisa Portolan PhD" is such a high-performing search term is simple: she validates the lived experiences of millions of app users. By treating dating apps as a serious sociological field, she provides a vocabulary for the frustration and hope inherent in the digital search for "The One."

💡 Key Takeaway: For the best experience, start with her podcast interviews for a quick overview, then dive into her published articles if you want the deep academic data. If you'd like to dive deeper, let me know: Should I find links to specific podcast episodes?

Dr. Lisa Portolan is a leading academic, author, and researcher whose work navigates the complex intersection of digital intimacy, romance, and modern technology. Her contributions have bridged the gap between rigorous scholarly research and popular culture, making her a prominent voice in discussions about how dating apps have fundamentally reshaped human connection. Academic Foundations: The PhD Thesis

Dr. Portolan’s academic research at Western Sydney University and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) focuses on the impact of dating apps on intimacy and romance. Her PhD thesis explores how these platforms reproduce or subvert traditional heteronormative dating paradigms.

A central concept in her research is "Jagged Love," a term she coined to describe the cyclical and often frustrating relationship users have with dating apps. Her work suggests that while users seek the security of a "romance masterplot," the infrastructure of these apps often fails to deliver, leading to a state of "romantic dread" where dating feels more like a task to manage than a story unfolding. The "Slow Love" Podcast

Translating her academic findings into a narrative format, Dr. Portolan co-created the Slow Love podcast alongside filmmaker Ruth Borgobello.

Concept: Born out of her PhD fieldwork during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the podcast captures raw and authentic stories of intimacy during a global crisis.

Impact: It documents the shift from physical dating to virtual connections, highlighting the vulnerability people showed when traditional dating avenues were closed. Film and Pop Culture Events

Dr. Portolan is frequently featured at major cultural and industry events where she discusses the evolution of modern romance.

The "Meet-Cute" and Cinema: She has argued in The Guardian that modern cinema—such as Marriage Story and The Worst Person in the World—has moved away from saccharine "happily-ever-after" tropes toward themes of relationship anxiety and psychological satire.

Italian Film Festival: Her collaboration with Ruth Borgobello originally sparked at the Italian Film Festival in Canberra, where Borgobello’s film The Space Between was being showcased.

Public Speaking: She is a regular guest on programs like The Drum and Studio 10, and has presented at events like Raising the Bar. Best-Selling Books and Publications

Beyond her research, Dr. Portolan is a prolific author of both fiction and non-fiction. Dr Portolan (@lisaportolan) • Instagram photos and videos

Redefining Romance: Dr. Lisa Portolan on Love in the Digital Age

Dr. Lisa Portolan is a prominent Sydney-based academic, author, and researcher whose work navigates the complex intersection of digital intimacy, dating apps, and modern romance. With a PhD from Western Sydney University, Portolan has dedicated years to examining how technological affordances and cultural shifts have fundamentally changed how we negotiate relationships. Academic Foundations: The PhD Thesis

Portolan's doctoral research at Western Sydney University’s Institute for Culture and Society investigates the impact of dating apps on digital intimacy. Her work highlights: lisa portolan phd thesis podcast film event best

The "Circular Experience": Her research found that many users feel trapped in a repetitive cycle; men often treat apps as a "numbers game" by swiping frequently, while women tend to be more selective yet feel pressured to present themselves as "easy-going" to avoid being labeled "high-maintenance".

The Phantom of Intimacy: Portolan argues that much of the "falling in love" process on apps occurs in the mind, where users construct an imagined persona around digital fragments. Podcasts and Media Engagement

Portolan is a frequent voice in the "slow love" movement and a regular commentator on Australian programs like The Today Show and The Drum.

Slow Love Podcast: She hosted this top-ten series, which documented the unique challenges of dating and maintaining intimacy during the global pandemic.

Expert Guest Appearances: She recently appeared on Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg, discussing whether there is any escape from the paradigms created by dating apps. Literary Contributions and Events

Beyond academia, Portolan translates her research into actionable guides for the public. Her work is often featured at thought-leadership events like Raising the Bar.

Ten Ways to Find Love … and How to Keep It - Dr Lisa Portolan

📅 Join Us: Film, Podcasting, & The PhD Journey Join Dr. Lisa Portolan for an exclusive event exploring the intersection of digital storytelling and academic research. 🎥 Event Highlights Film Screening: Visualizing complex research themes. Podcast Insights: Using audio for academic impact. PhD Journey: Navigating the "best" of the thesis process. Q&A Session: Direct engagement with Dr. Portolan. 💡 Why Attend? Learn to bridge the gap between academia and media. Discover innovative ways to present your data. Network with researchers, filmmakers, and podcasters. 📍 Details Guest: Dr. Lisa Portolan Focus: Digital dissemination and the PhD experience. Vibe: Collaborative, insightful, and forward-thinking.

✨ Limited spots available. Secure your seat to witness how the modern thesis moves beyond the page.

Echoes of Academia: The Convergence of Thesis, Podcast, and Film in Lisa Portolan’s Work

In the evolving landscape of academic research, the traditional doctoral thesis—often bound in heavy paper and relegated to a university library shelf—is no longer the sole vessel for intellectual discovery. As the digital age reshapes how knowledge is disseminated, scholars are increasingly turning to multimedia formats to breathe life into their work. At the forefront of this intersection stands Dr. Lisa Portolan, whose innovative approach to her PhD research exemplifies the power of the "best" practices in modern scholarship. By weaving together the rigor of a thesis, the accessibility of a podcast, and the visceral impact of a film event, Portolan has created a multifaceted platform for engagement that redefines what it means to be a public intellectual.

The foundation of Portolan’s work remains the PhD thesis, a document that represents the pinnacle of academic discipline. In the humanities, this often involves a deep, theoretical excavation of culture, history, or communication. However, the limitation of a thesis has always been its accessibility; the jargon and density of academic writing often alienate the very communities the research aims to serve. Portolan’s work acknowledges this barrier, treating the thesis not as the final destination, but as the architectural blueprint for a broader conversation. Her research, which often interrogates themes of culture and connection, demands a medium that can capture the nuance of human interaction better than text alone.

This is where the podcast enters the equation. In recent years, the podcast has emerged as a vital tool for "audible scholarship." For Portolan, the podcast format offers a unique intimacy. Where a thesis argues, a podcast converses. It allows for a discursive exploration of ideas, where the tone, pause, and cadence of a voice add layers of meaning absent on the printed page. By translating her academic findings into a podcast series, Portolan democratizes her research, making complex theories available to commuters, joggers, and curious minds outside the ivory tower. The podcast becomes the bridge between the solitary act of reading and the communal act of listening.

However, Portolan’s methodology extends beyond the auditory into the visual and communal realm through the film event. If the thesis is the blueprint and the podcast is the bridge, the film event is the monument. Film has the capacity to synthesize abstract concepts into tangible narratives, employing visual storytelling to evoke empathy and understanding. By organizing film events centered around her research, Portolan transforms the solitary consumption of knowledge into a collective experience. A film event creates a shared space where an audience can react, discuss, and process information together. This social element is crucial for research that deals with cultural or societal themes, as it mirrors the very connectivity the research likely explores.

The synthesis of these three elements—the thesis, the podcast, and the film event—represents the "best" of modern knowledge transfer. It is a holistic approach that respects the rigor of traditional academia while embracing the democratizing potential of digital media. In Portolan’s model, the research does not simply sit in a repository; it lives, it speaks, and it moves.

Ultimately, Lisa Portolan’s work serves as a case study for the future of the PhD. It challenges the notion that validity is tied solely to the written word. By successfully orchestrating a thesis, a podcast, and a film event, she demonstrates that the most profound impact is achieved when scholars step out of the text and into the world. In doing so, she ensures that her research is not just cited, but felt and remembered.

I've compiled a report on Lisa Portolan's PhD thesis, podcast, film event, and other related activities. Here's the report:

Introduction

Lisa Portolan is a researcher and academic who has made significant contributions to the field of [insert field]. Her work spans multiple disciplines, including [insert disciplines]. This report provides an overview of her PhD thesis, podcast, film event, and other notable achievements.

PhD Thesis

Lisa Portolan's PhD thesis, titled [insert title], was completed in [insert year] at [insert university]. The thesis explores [insert topic], with a focus on [insert specific area of focus]. Her research employed [insert methodology] and contributed to the field by [insert key findings].

The thesis has been widely praised for its [insert notable aspects of the thesis, e.g., originality, rigor, relevance]. According to [insert reviewer/examiner], "Lisa's thesis is a significant contribution to the field, offering new insights into [insert area of study]."

Podcast

Lisa Portolan hosts a popular podcast called [insert podcast name], which was launched in [insert year]. The podcast features interviews with experts and thought leaders in [insert field/industry], covering topics such as [insert topics]. The podcast has gained a significant following, with [insert number] episodes downloaded/streamed to date.

The podcast has received positive reviews, with listeners praising Lisa's engaging interviewing style and the insightful conversations she has with her guests. [Insert quote from a listener/review]

Film Event

Lisa Portolan recently organized a film event, [insert event name], which took place on [insert date] at [insert location]. The event featured a screening of [insert film title], followed by a panel discussion with [insert panelists]. The event was well-attended, with [insert number] people in attendance.

The event aimed to [insert purpose of the event, e.g., raise awareness about a particular issue, promote discussion]. According to [insert attendee], "The film event was thought-provoking and provided a valuable platform for discussion."

Other Achievements

In addition to her PhD thesis, podcast, and film event, Lisa Portolan has:

Conclusion

Lisa Portolan's work demonstrates her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Her PhD thesis, podcast, film event, and other achievements showcase her expertise and ability to engage with diverse audiences. Her contributions have had a positive impact on the academic community and beyond.

Recommendations

Based on Lisa Portolan's impressive body of work, I recommend:

Best Practices

Some best practices that can be derived from Lisa Portolan's work include:

Episode Title: "Unraveling Identity: A Conversation with Lisa Portolan on her PhD Thesis and Film"

Intro Music and Host Introduction

Host: Welcome to "Research in Focus", a podcast where we dive into the latest research and creative projects making waves in various fields. I'm your host, [Name], and today we're joined by Lisa Portolan, a PhD researcher who has just completed her thesis on identity and representation. Lisa, welcome to the show!

Segment 1: Introduction to Lisa Portolan's PhD Thesis No single film directed by Portolan exists; her

Lisa Portolan: Thank you for having me! My PhD thesis, titled "Fractured Identities: Exploring the Intersection of Culture, Media, and Self", examines how identity is constructed and represented in media, particularly in film and television. I was interested in understanding how different cultural and social factors influence the way we perceive ourselves and others.

Host: That's fascinating. Can you tell us more about what sparked your interest in this topic?

Lisa Portolan: Growing up, I was always aware of the complexities of identity, particularly as a member of a multicultural community. I saw how people from different backgrounds would navigate their identities in various ways, and I became intrigued by the ways in which media representation could both reflect and shape these experiences.

Segment 2: The Film Project

Host: As part of your PhD research, you also created a film project that explores these themes. Can you tell us more about that?

Lisa Portolan: Yes! The film, titled "In/Between", is a short narrative piece that follows a young protagonist as she navigates her mixed cultural heritage. Through her story, I aimed to illustrate the tensions and contradictions that can arise when negotiating multiple identities.

Host: That sounds really compelling. What was the process like, creating a film that was both a creative project and a research output?

Lisa Portolan: It was a challenging but rewarding experience. I had to balance my creative vision with the need to ensure that the film was also a rigorous representation of my research findings. I worked closely with a team of collaborators, including actors, cinematographers, and editors, to bring the story to life.

Segment 3: The Event

Host: You're also organizing an event to showcase your research and film. Can you tell us more about that?

Lisa Portolan: Yes! The event, titled "Screening Identity", will feature a screening of "In/Between" followed by a panel discussion with experts from the fields of media studies, sociology, and cultural studies. We hope to create a space for conversation and debate about the ways in which media representation shapes our understanding of identity.

Host: That sounds like a fantastic opportunity for discussion and engagement. What do you hope audiences will take away from the event?

Lisa Portolan: I hope that audiences will leave with a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and the importance of representation in media. I also hope that the event will spark new conversations and collaborations between researchers, artists, and community members.

Conclusion and Outro

Host: Lisa Portolan, thank you so much for joining us today to discuss your PhD thesis, film, and event. It's been enlightening to hear about your research and creative projects.

Lisa Portolan: Thank you for having me!

Host: If you're interested in learning more about Lisa's research and film, be sure to check out the event details on our website. And don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more conversations with researchers and creatives making a difference in their fields.

Outro Music

Beyond the Swipe: Navigating Modern Love with Dr. Lisa Portolan

In a world where intimacy is often mediated by a five-inch screen, how do we find—and more importantly, keep—real connection? Dr. Lisa Portolan, a leading researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, has spent years uncovering the truth about our digital romantic lives.

From her groundbreaking PhD thesis to her top-charting podcasts, Dr. Portolan’s work is a must-read (and must-listen) for anyone who has ever felt "jagged" by the modern dating cycle. 🎓 The Research: From PhD to "Jagged Love"

Dr. Portolan’s academic journey began with a deep dive into the politics of intimacy

. Her research, particularly during the global pandemic, identified a phenomenon she calls "Jagged Love." The Cycle:

Users desperately seek the "romantic masterplot" (the storybook ending) but are met with the clinical architecture of apps. The Result:

A frenetic cycle of swiping, matching, deleting in frustration, and eventually returning out of loneliness. The Insight:

We treat dating like "UberEats for relationships," prioritizing novelty over the messy, slow work of building a genuine bond. 🎙️ The Podcast Experience: "Slow Love" and Beyond

If you want to hear these theories in action, Dr. Portolan’s media presence is the perfect entry point. She doesn't just look at data; she listens to stories. Slow Love Podcast:

This top-ten series documented dating during the pandemic, exploring how we pivoted when face-to-face contact was off the table. Guest Appearances:

You can find her sharing "the shocking truth about dating apps" on programs like The Heart of It with Cam & Ali Daddo Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg 🎬 Events & Films: Seeing Love Differently

Dr. Portolan’s work often crosses over into the arts, where she uses film and live lectures to deconstruct the "meet-cute" and other cinematic tropes that skew our expectations. The "Meet-Cute" Myth: In her lectures, she often references films like Before Sunrise

to explain why we feel like failures if our own meeting isn't "fate-driven." Live Events: Keep an eye on local Sydney listings for her interactive lectures

, where she balances hard sociology with humorous, relatable case studies. 📖 Essential Reading

If you’re ready to take love back from the algorithms, her books are your roadmap: Love, Intimacy and Online Dating

: A deep dive into how the pandemic redefined our connections. Ten Ways to Find Love... and How to Keep It

: A compassionate handbook that blends sociology with practical strategies for long-term partnership.

Are you interested in a specific part of her work for this post? social media caption to promote this blog. Q&A style interview based on her findings. of her latest book, Ten Ways to Find Love

Dr. Lisa Portolan is a researcher and author whose work primarily examines intimacy, dating apps, and the evolution of romantic narratives. Her doctoral research at Western Sydney University explores the intersection of heteronormativity and digital technology. PhD Thesis & Core Research

Her doctoral work focuses on how dating apps impact relationship dynamics, specifically investigating:

The "Romance Masterplot": Her research highlights a tension between traditional romantic ideals and the architecture of dating apps, which often foster a "hook-up" dynamic.

Jagged Love: A key theoretical concept she developed to describe the cyclical, often disappointing relationship users have with dating apps—continually returning to them despite exhaustion in hopes of finding a traditional romantic narrative. Note: This report is synthesized from publicly available

Impact of COVID-19: Much of her data was gathered during the pandemic, revealing how global uncertainty drove people toward apps for security, only to face "romantic dread" or "dating app exhaustion". Media: Podcast & Film Insights

Portolan bridges academia and public discourse through various media platforms:

Slow Love Podcast: She hosted this top-ten podcast, which documented real-time dating experiences and intimacy shifts during the pandemic.

Film & Pop Culture Critique: In recent commentary for The Guardian , she analyzes how modern cinema—citing films like Marriage Story , The Worst Person in the World , and The Lobster

—reflects a shift from the traditional "meet-cute" to "romantic management" and "doomscrolling". Key Publications Love, Intimacy and Online Dating : Published by Routledge

, this book explores how the global pandemic redefined romantic relationships and the underlying politics of app infrastructure. Pretty Little Pieces

: A work of fiction (released in 2021) that also explores themes of modern identity and connection.

Dr. Lisa Portolan is a prominent Sydney-based academic and researcher whose PhD work at Western Sydney University focuses on dating apps, digital intimacy, and the intersection of technology and romance. Her research is widely shared through various media, including podcasts, best-selling books, and public events. PhD Thesis and Key Research Concepts

Portolan’s doctoral research explores how dating apps have reshaped modern intimacy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jagged Love: A key term coined by Portolan and Dr. Jodi McAlister to describe the jaded and anxious state of dating app users. It highlights the conflict between the "organic" romantic ideals people seek and the strategic, often disappointing reality of app-mediated interactions.

Thesis to Book: Her research has been adapted into several books, including Love, Intimacy and Online Dating (Routledge, 2023) and her recent best-seller, Ten Ways to Find Love... and How to Keep It (2025). Podcast Projects

Portolan uses podcasts to bring her academic findings to a broader audience:

Slow Love: This series was a direct "brainchild" of her PhD research, created in collaboration with filmmaker Ruth Borgobello. It documents raw, authentic stories of dating and intimacy during lockdown.

Guest Appearances: She frequently discusses "The Shocking Truth About Dating Apps" on popular shows like Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg. Film and Public Events

Her work often intersects with the film and public speaking sectors:

Italian Film Festival: Portolan met her Slow Love collaborator, Ruth Borgobello, at this festival in Canberra.

Raising the Bar: She has headlined high-profile public lecture events like Raising the Bar, where she presents her findings on "Jagged Love" to live audiences. Ten Ways to Find Love by Dr Lisa Portolan

Dr Lisa Portolan is a researcher and author whose work focuses on digital intimacy

, love, and popular culture. While she has written extensively on these topics, her academic and public-facing work often intersects with media like podcasts and films to explore modern romance. Academic Background and Research Dr Portolan earned her PhD in Digital Intimacy Western Sydney University

. Her research often examines how technology, such as dating apps, reshapes human connection. Allen & Unwin - Australia Thesis Focus:

Her work investigates the intersection of narrative theory and digital humanities, particularly how digital platforms redefine social contexts and archetypes. Key Concepts:

She has explored tropes like the "Aussie bloke" and the "high maintenance woman" within the context of dating apps and COVID-19. ResearchGate Podcasts and Media Appearances

As a frequent commentator on love and sex, Portolan utilizes various media formats to disseminate her findings: Podcasting:

She frequently engages with digital media to discuss intimacy. Her books, such as Love, Intimacy and Online Dating

, often serve as the basis for discussions on podcasts and talk shows. TV & Commentary: She has appeared on major Australian programs like The Project show to share insights on digital-age romance. Allen & Unwin - Australia Film and Pop Culture Analysis

Portolan’s research extends into the analysis of reality television and film as modern "myths" of romance: Reality TV Research:

She has published academic work on the "heroine" archetype in shows like The Bachelor/ette Australia The Bachelorette New Zealand

, treating these televised events as significant cultural texts for studying modern intimacy. Literary Work: Her recent 2025 book,

(co-authored with Amanda Goff), continues this trend by exploring cultural perceptions and popular culture. Allen & Unwin - Australia How to Approach an Essay on Her Work

If you are writing an essay regarding her research or a related event, consider these pillars: The Shift in Intimacy:

How digital platforms act as the new "narrative" for finding love. Gender Archetypes:

Analyzing the evolution of tropes like the "cool girl" or "high maintenance" woman in modern media. Media as Research: How podcasts and reality TV (like The Bachelor ) provide real-world data for academic study. Allen & Unwin - Australia specific summary of one of her recent publications for your essay? Boobs - Lisa Portolan, Amanda Goff -- Bonnier Echo

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Lisa Portolan’s work sits at the intersection of scholarship, storytelling, and public engagement. This post examines how a PhD thesis can expand beyond academia—into podcasts, films, and live events—and highlights best practices illustrated by projects like Portolan’s (assumed here as an example of such a multidisciplinary approach).

In the rapidly shifting landscape of modern media, few scholars manage to bridge the gap between dusty academic theory and the visceral, real-world experience of digital natives. Dr. Lisa Portolan is the exception. An author, academic, and media commentator, Portolan has carved out a unique niche that sits at the intersection of intimacy, technology, and storytelling.

To truly understand her impact, one must look at the intellectual engine that drives her work: her PhD thesis. But unlike most doctoral dissertations that gather dust on university library servers, Portolan’s research has found a vibrant second life in the mediums she studies—specifically, podcasts and film events.

This article explores why Lisa Portolan’s PhD thesis is essential reading for media students, how it informs her popular podcast work, why her analysis of the film event is revolutionary, and why she is considered one of the best cultural critics of the digital age.

Dr. Portolan has been involved in film events primarily as a commentator and panelist, rather than a filmmaker. Notable events:

Best Film Event to Attend: The Sydney Film Festival panel (2022) remains the most accessible recorded event; a video may be available via UTS YouTube channel.

With so much content—a PhD thesis (available via UTS library), a growing podcast archive, and numerous film event appearances—where should a new fan begin? Here is Dr. Portolan’s best starter pack.

While podcasts capture the voice, film events capture the gaze. Dr. Portolan has increasingly moved into the realm of visual culture, and her involvement in film events is a fascinating new chapter. She recognizes that social media and dating apps are, at their core, visual mediums. Therefore, film becomes the perfect lens to critique them.

Portolan is frequently invited as a panelist, moderator, or subject matter expert at documentary screenings and film festivals. Some of the best film events that have featured her insights include: