Ritual, a new independent zine focused on movie theater culture, has launched at select Los Angeles theaters and retail spaces. Founded by Greg Longstreet, whose Los Angeles-based public relations firm Empirical represents directors and other filmmakers, the print publication is designed as a tactile alternative to digital film coverage. According to the launch materials, Ritual aims to offer “passionate, evergreen film writing” in a physical format that gives readers a clear beginning, middle and end, while QR codes throughout the zine provide access to playlists and bonus content that expands on the stories inside.
The debut issue features contributions from a mix of film industry voices and creatives, including journalists, comedian Patton Oswalt, IFC executive Danielle Freiberg, director Casey Storm and Longstreet himself. It also includes a playlist curated by filmmaker Edgar Wright, reinforcing the publication’s blend of editorial content and multimedia film culture. Ritual is being positioned as both a celebration of movies and a pause from constant screen time, with Longstreet describing it as a magazine created to feel communal, personal and artful.
Longstreet said he wanted to make a physical piece of media that film lovers could carry with them and read while waiting for a movie to begin. He added that the project was inspired by the idea that film culture can be more intimate and tangible when experienced in print. While Ritual has launched in select theater and retail locations, issues can also be ordered through the publication’s Instagram account.
Longstreet, who began his Hollywood career in acting and screenwriting before moving into publicity, has worked in entertainment promotion for more than 20 years. Through Empirical, he currently represents filmmakers with upcoming releases including Macon Blair, Denise Di Novi and Brian Duffield. He said the zine will continue beyond the debut issue, with the format and release schedule expected to evolve as the audience grows.
By combining film criticism, personal voices and physical design, Ritual enters the publishing landscape as a niche title aimed at readers who want a hands-on connection to moviegoing culture. Its launch reflects a broader interest in print products that emphasize curation, collectability and a slower reading experience in an increasingly digital media environment.
