About the Director

Andrew Novick is a filmmaker whose work explores pop culture, media narratives, and the psychology of collecting. In JonBenet’s Tricycle, Novick blends documentary storytelling with self-reflective commentary, examining how objects tied to public tragedy take on symbolic meaning. His approach moves beyond traditional true-crime structure, instead focusing on perception, memory, and the cultural value assigned to artifacts. By positioning himself within the narrative, Novick creates a layered documentary that questions the ethics of collecting, media fascination, and the commodification of tragedy.

Film Synopsis

JonBenet’s Tricycle follows a collector known for acquiring unusual and emotionally charged items. Among the objects in his possession is a tricycle once associated with JonBenét Ramsey. Rather than serving as a conventional investigation of the crime itself, the documentary examines the cultural aftermath of tragedy and how objects connected to public events can take on new meaning over time. Through interviews and reflective commentary, the film explores themes of obsession, media influence, morality, and the stories attached to physical objects. It becomes less about a single artifact and more about how society processes memory, tragedy, and fascination.

Director’s Statement

Novick describes the film as a "case study on the impact that pop culture and the media have on our experience of tragedy". He sought to examine the "bigger story" behind the object, moving beyond the murder investigation to explore the wider human urge to possess items linked to unsolved crimes. His vision was to take the tricycle on a metaphysical journey consulting psychics and paranormal investigators to see what the object could "reveal about us" as a society fascinated by the macabre. 

Awards & Recognition

Denver Film Festival: The film's 10-minute short version premiered at DFF39 (2016), while the 88-minute feature had its world premiere at DFF40 (2017).

Theatrical & Press Features: It received a limited theatrical release and was featured in outlets such as Forbes, Huffington Post, and Westword.

Critical Reception: Praised by indie critics for its unique "layman's examination" of the Ramsey case through the lens of psychometry and collectible culture.