# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Magic Thinking
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sun, 25 Oct, 2026 at 06:00 pm – Sun, 25 Oct, 2026 at 08:00 pm (-04:00)
- **Event Description**: Magic Thinking is a multi-platform film installation steeped in the current moment when climate catastrophe, the COVID pandemic, and the rise of fundamentalism combine to contribute to an apocalyptic aura. With this aura, magical thinking can become a survival strategy, creating surprising bedfellows. In particular, the confluence of far-right extremism and the “wellness” world. 

Magic Thinking follows the relationship between Doug (Becca Blackwell), a human optimizer, and Nancy (Laine Rettmer), a meditation class teacher, as they grasp for certainty in the face of unrest. Their spiritual journey is tainted by hyper-masculine self help gurus, burned-out ex-climate activists, psychedelic-pushing big tech entrepreneurs, and viciously Darwin-obsessed wellness influencers. As they search for “Truth” the limits of self-actualization become increasingly clear. (Laura Parnes, USA, 2026, 76 min.)

Followed by a conversation with filmmaker Laura Parnes

Laura Parnes’ critically acclaimed films and installations fuse comedy with pathos to probe social and political trauma. Informed by traditions and genres in narrative film, video art and queer theater, her work blurs the lines between conventions of storytelling and experimentation. The performers in her projects are often part of a diverse community of artists and musicians, many of whom are responsible for the rich underground scene in
NYC – and who have shaped and aYected other mainstream art cultures.

She has screened and exhibited widely in the US and internationally, including at the Whitney Museum of American Art, NY; MoMA PS1,NY; Miami Museum of Contemporary Art, FL; Brooklyn Museum; Deste Foundation for Contemporary Art, Athens; The International Film Festival Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid; and NY and on PBS and Spanish Television. She had solo exhibitions at Pioneer Works, Human Resources, Burchfield Penny Art Center, LA>
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/philadelphia/magic-thinking/200030776626853
- **Event Categories**: Art, Entertainment, health-wellness, fine-arts, Business, performances, Festivals, Workshops, Music, Exhibitions, Theatre, comedy
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Philadelphia
- **state**: PA
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148-16ND, United States
- **lat**: 39.92535
- **long**: -75.15939
- **full address**: 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148-16ND, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Magic Thinking
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/6b39cc57349eb253857a8dd57a023c2517cc1947dc083ea8325b9c9c1b67e942-rimg-w1200-h943-dc080808-gmir?v=1791146933

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Magic Thinking being held?
  - **A:** Magic Thinking takes place on Sun, 25 Oct, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Sun, 25 Oct, 2026 at 08:00 pm at 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148-16ND, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Magic Thinking?
  - **A:** Magic Thinking is organized by Lightbox Film Center.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Magic Thinking is ideal for art lovers, collectors, creatives, and anyone inspired by visual arts, installations, and exhibitions. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Philadelphia, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Magic Thinking sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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