You definitely came through with the hometown pride for our zip code contest. We’re getting pretty excited about the broadcast premiere of 45365 on December 14 (check local listings) — after all, Roger Ebert called it an “achingly beautiful film” and it has been hailed on the festival circuit for its novel and novelistic approach. Because Bill and Turner Ross’s film is such a love letter to their hometown of Sidney, Ohio, we decided to tap into that pride of place with you, our far-flung fans.
We asked our Facebook fans, Twitter followers, and blog readers to submit comments arguing why their zip code was the best in all the land. The entries were sometimes funny, sometimes sort of melancholy, and sometimes exceptionally interesting and original.
As promised, we have selected our favorite 10 entries. The nominees will each win a $15 iTunes gift card. But it’s not over: Now you get to vote on your favorite submission, and the top vote-getter by noon PST on Monday, December 13 will be showered in Independent Lens goodies and interviewed for a viewer profile right here on the Independent Lens blog.
Without further ado, after the jump, we’ve listed the finalists, in no particular order. Cast your vote for your favorite in the poll at the end, and come back next week to see who won!
And the finalists are …
58047
People ride their horses to the bar, most families own a snowmobile and/or four-wheeler and everyone knows everyone else’s business (but it’s not necessarily a bad thing).
Breanna Hinkel, Horace, ND
43551
Right near Toledo, Ohio, the Glass Capital of the World. Remember: without glass there would be no lenses and without lenses, there would be no cameras ~ and without cameras, there would be no films ~ and without films, there would be no Independent Lens ~ and without Independent Lens … well, we don’t even want to imagine what that would be like, right?
John Eikost, Perrysburg, OH
37206
[My zip code] reduces down to the number 9 which, for those who delve into the depths of numerology means: jack-of-all trades, humanitarian, sympathetic, helpful, emotional, tolerant, active, and determined. That is East Nashville.
BJ Borsody, Nashville, TN
95519
Because horses still have the right of way here.
Jessica Unmack, McKinleyville, CA
98118
My zip code is the best zip code in all of the U.S. for one simple, cool reason. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, my neighborhood of Columbia city in Seattle, Washington is the most diverse zip code in the country! Throughout the six square miles of my amazing zip code area, 59 languages are spoken with many different cultures, races, religions, sexualities, and economic levels represented. The best part is, everyone in my diverse neighborhood lives, eats, drinks, laughs, and plays together!
Fiona Lloyd-Muller, Columbia City, WA
?????
Sigh … I actually don’t have a zip code. We have no post office. I live in the middle of nowhere. I am a postal parasite, piggybacking off of 08833. I used to leech off of 07830, a much more hip zip, but moving up the road a piece changed all that. Nothin’ much to do out here except listen to music and watch PBS…
Sandy Knox-Bianco, Lebanon, NJ
78660
[My zip code] has all the convenience of a big town and all the charm of a small one. And it even has a cool name — Pflugerville!
Lisa Presutti Ide Pflugerville, TX
55408
I’m represented by the only Muslim in congress. The one, the only, Keith Ellison.
James Rodriguez, Minneapolis, MN
50228
1.1 mi², 1,300 people. It’s just a small Iowa farm town. It has the nicest people; they wave as you pass. I’m proud I grew up there.
Matt ‘Mance’ Donaldson, Prairie City, IA
98382
In the zip of 9838
See elk and eagles
and flyfish 2
Catch some salmon
eat some crab
Livin’ here is not bad
Remember a little ditty
Rhymes with swim
We’re not
a sequined city.
Linda Anne Chancler, Sequim, WA
