On Labor Day, employees from New York City’s independent movie theaters gathered in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood to participate in a hot dog eating contest at Purgatory bar. The event, organized by the underground film zine Cashiers du Cinéma, brought together ushers, box office attendants, and projectionists representing a range of the city’s art house cinemas.

The contest, dubbed the inaugural “Jaws of Victory” competition, was emceed by Luke LeCount, an usher at Film Forum, and Rigo Garay. They introduced the event with humorous commentary referencing the history of competitive eating while celebrating the dedication of those who work behind the scenes in cinema.

Contestants wore bibs and badges emblazoned with the names of their respective theaters, including the IFC Center, Anthology Film Archives, the Roxy, BAM Rose Cinemas, Film at Lincoln Center, Film Forum, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, and Spectacle. Participants lined up to devour as many hot dogs as possible within the 10-minute time frame, employing tactics such as dipping the frankfurters in water to accelerate consumption.

Among the competitors was Carolyn Ramella from the Roxy, who expressed pride in providing service to the film community, despite perceptions of her job as menial. “Some people think it’s demeaning to sweep up popcorn, but everyone here has a shared love of being in service of cinema,” she said. Miles Contreras of the IFC Center reflected on the romanticism of working at a downtown cinema, viewing his role as part of a transitional phase toward his aspirations as a songwriter.

Cashiers du Cinéma was founded by Dan Welch and David Cardoza, who first met while working as ushers at Film at Lincoln Center. Their publication takes inspiration from the French film journal Cahiers du Cinéma, seeking to amplify the voices and experiences of those working in New York’s repertory theaters. The zine features interviews, comics, and cultural commentary that highlight the creative ambitions and challenges faced by cinema workers.

Welch emphasized the ethical dimension some theater employees bring to their roles. “There’s this stereotype of it being a job for lazy people, but I’ve come to see it so differently. There’s people for whom this is an ethical matter,” he said, underscoring a resistance to contributing labor toward corporate systems they do not support.

After a spirited contest that captivated an audience of film enthusiasts, the winner was declared to be Abyn Reabe of Spectacle, a microtheater in Williamsburg, who consumed 10 hot dogs during the competition. The event concluded with attendees mingling on the street, discussing recent film experiences and celebrating their shared passion for cinema.

Gustav Maximus Hein, representing Film Forum, characterized the group’s unique status with humor. “We’re all like half bums here,” he said, “Not full bums. But at least half bums.” Reflecting on the perks of their work environment, he added, “Well, it’s also kind of like, who doesn’t like a job where you get to go to the movies for free?”