Skip to main content

Deep Dive: The Fandom (2020)

Film Lens

The Fandom
The Fandom is a 2020 independent documentary that examines the furry fandom's history and cultural impact as an internet community. Directed by Ash Kreis and Eric Risher, the film features interviews with key figures such as Mark Merlino and Rod O'Riley, founders of the first furry convention, ConFurence, and Joe Strike, author of Furry Nation. These interviews are complemented by footage from various furry conventions, providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of this unique subculture. Kreis, making her directorial debut, aimed to address misconceptions about the furry community. Funded through Kickstarter with a budget of $32,000, the film premiered on Kreis' YouTube channel and was released on Blu-Ray on July 3, 2020. It received positive reviews for its humor and inclusivity, winning an Ursa Major Award in the Non-Fiction Work category in 2020.

Why Watch

  • Meet furry fandom founders Mark Merlino and Rod O'Riley.
  • See footage from past furry conventions.
  • Find out about the history of furry fandom.

Did You Know

The Fandom was funded through Kickstarter with a budget of $32,000.
The film premiered on July 3, 2020, on Kreis' YouTube channel.
Mark Merlino and Rod O'Riley founded the first furry convention, ConFurence.
The documentary won an Ursa Major Award in 2020 for Non-Fiction Work.

Perfect For

Furry fandom enthusiastsDocumentary loversConvention culture