To the artists, authors, and illustrators in Fiona McDougall’s vibrant documentary, But I Love the Zine, zines are uniquely powerful tools—and unlikely symbols of freedom. Independent from mainstream book publishers and conglomerates, zines have historically delivered alternative, anti-authoritative ideas to American audiences. And now, they continue to provide tactile experiences and foster community in an increasingly digital era.

Featuring interviews with zinemakers in their creative spaces—bedrooms, studios, and tiny print shops above book shops—McDougall’s praised documentary film, But I Love the Zine, explores how DIY culture fosters human connection in the internet age. 

Director Fiona McDougall began documenting the DIY community as a result of her son, Raphael Villet’s personal involvement in the scene. Between 2016 and 2017, Villet held a five-month residency at the Tenderloin Museum, and created the limited edition anthology book, Anywhere Zines in the Tenderloin, which contains zines made by over 45 people in the neighborhood. However, little did McDougall know that she herself would soon be a subject in her son’s next zine project. 

A private person despite her background in photojournalism, seeing herself on the cover of Villet’s other project, Look Mum, My First Tattoo, at a crowded zine festival naturally put McDougall in a state of shock. But it was this “personal reaction to a private moment” that piqued her interest in the community, ultimately inspiring her to embark on a three-year-long journey documenting—and understanding—the intimate and tactile nature of zines. 

On January 16, join us at the Tenderloin Museum for a zine pop-up and limited film screening of But I Love the Zine, followed by a panel discussion with Director Fiona McDougall and Bay Area indie publishers Max Stadnik of Tiny Splendor, V. Vale of RE/Search Publications, and artist Raphael Villet.

Reception/zine pop-up: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Screening: 7:15-7:45 p.m.
Zine panel: 7:45-8:30 p.m.