The Fandom is a 2020 documentary film focusing on the history and cultural influence of the furry fandom. Directed by filmmakers Ash Kreis and Eric Risher, it was released digitally and on Blu-Ray on July 3, 2020. The film is Kreis' directorial debut.
| The Fandom | |
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| Directed by |
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| Produced by | Philip Kreis[1] |
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| Cinematography |
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| Edited by | Eric Risher |
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Running time | 89 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $32,125[2] |
Synopsis
editThe Fandom focuses on the furry fandom's early history and evolution as an internet community. The documentary features interviews from figures within the fandom, including Mark Merlino and Rod O'Riley (founders of ConFurence, the first furry convention), Joe Strike (author of Furry Nation, a history of the furry fandom), and Samuel Conway, chairman of the Anthrocon convention.[3] These interviews are interspersed with footage from furry conventions past and present.
Production
editThe Fandom was funded through Kickstarter with a budget of $32 thousand.[2] Director Ash Kreis described to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that despite recent positivity of furry fandom coverage, she wanted to put several misconceptions to rest and show the community in its true form.[4]
The Fandom marks the directorial debut for Kreis, who previously worked in the production team for films like Being Evel.[5]
Release
editThe Fandom premiered on Kreis' YouTube channel on July 3, 2020, the Blu-Ray and other digital versions being released the same day.[4]
Reception
editThe Fandom was well-received and praised by critics. Cartoon Brew praised its inclusivity and humor,[3] Colorado Springs Independent applauded the film for its appeal and its thorough detail.[5] The film won an Ursa Major Award in 2020 in the Non-Fiction Work category.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b "This Doc Answers All Your Questions About Furries". PAPER. June 29, 2020. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
- ^ a b "The Fandom". Kickstarter. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
- ^ a b "'The Fandom' Review: Documentary Takes Viewers Into The Misunderstood World Of Furry Fandom". Cartoon Brew. July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
- ^ a b "New documentary 'The Fandom' chronicles history of furry nation". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved July 30, 2020.(subscription required)
- ^ a b Beedle, Heidi. "The Fandom: A deep dive into LGBTQ nerd culture". Colorado Springs Independent. Retrieved July 30, 2020.
- ^ "Voting Results". ursamajorawards.org. Retrieved May 16, 2021.