Watch Fanarchy

Fanarchy is a 2015 documentary film directed by Chris Bouchard that explores the phenomenon of fan culture and the impact it has had on the entertainment industry. The film takes a look at the relationship between fans and creators, from the earliest days of fanzines and fan fiction to the current era of social media and crowdfunding.

Throughout the film, viewers are introduced to a variety of fans and creators, each with their own unique story to tell. Some are fans of popular films and TV shows, while others are fans of lesser-known indie projects. Some are content creators themselves, using platforms like YouTube and Tumblr to share their passions with the world. Others are fans who have turned their love for a particular franchise into a career, such as the Star Wars fans who founded the 501st Legion, a group of cosplayers who now have official recognition from Lucasfilm.

Interviews with industry professionals, including filmmakers, actors, and writers, provide insights into the ways in which fan culture has changed the landscape of media. For instance, Brett Culp, the director of the documentary Legends of the Knight, talks about how he was able to raise funds for his project through Kickstarter, thanks to the support of passionate fans. Denise Crosby, meanwhile, discusses her experience portraying a fan-favorite character on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the lasting impact that has had on her career.

One of the key themes of Fanarchy is the idea that fans can have a powerful impact on the media they love, both positive and negative. The film takes a look at the toxic side of fan culture, such as the harassment and bullying that is sometimes directed at creators, as well as the backlash that can occur when a beloved franchise is rebooted or remade. However, it also highlights the ways in which fans can be a force for good, such as when they come together to raise money for charity or campaign for greater diversity and representation in the media.

In addition to interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Fanarchy also includes clips from fan-made films and animations, showcasing the incredible creativity and passion that goes into these projects. From a Star Wars fan film made entirely out of LEGOs to an animated web series based on the video game Portal, these segments are a reminder of just how much fans are capable of when they put their minds to something.

Overall, Fanarchy is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of a topic that is close to the hearts of many viewers. By celebrating the power of fan culture while also acknowledging its potential downsides, the film offers a nuanced and balanced perspective on an issue that has become increasingly important in the era of social media and crowdfunding. Whether you're a fan yourself or simply interested in the intersection of media and culture, this documentary is well worth a watch.

Fanarchy is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.