An Unlikely Fandom
{{more citations needed|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox film
| image = An Unlikely Fandom poster.jpg
| director = Brannon Carty
| producer = Josh Hood
Ahmad Akfa
Nick Maniscalco
Brannon Carty
| music = John Hayes
| cinematography = Brannon Carty
| studio = Requiem Pictures LTD
| released = {{Film date|2023}}
| runtime = 85 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget = $20,000
| gross =
}}
An Unlikely Fandom is a 2023 documentary film centering on the adult fandom of the children's television series Thomas & Friends. Principal photography began in July 2019 at a fan convention in Huntingdon, PA. The filmmakers acquired additional funding through a Kickstarter that raised over {{US dollar|14,500|link=yes}} over the span of 30 days to further expand the scope of the film, as well as allowing the filmmakers to interview crew members from the series, including the series creator Britt Allcroft in her final on-screen appearance before her death on December 25, 2024.{{cite web |title=Britt Allcroft, Producer Who Adapted 'Thomas the Tank Engine' for TV, Dies at 81 |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/obituaries-people-news/britt-allcroft-dead-thomas-the-tank-engine-1236265074/ |access-date=January 14, 2025}}
The documentary premiered in New York City on November 27, 2023, and is currently in its film festival run.{{cite web |title=An Unlikely Fandom: UNCG alum's documentary delves into the niche, but deep, Thomas the Tank Engine fandom |url=https://triad-city-beat.com/an-unlikely-fandom/ |access-date=January 14, 2024}}
Synopsis
The documentary takes an intimate look into the adult fandom of the children's television series Thomas & Friends through various fan conventions and personal interviews. Many of those interviewed explain that while this is not a normal interest, they have made careers and hobbies out of their passion for the series. Many are preserving props from the television series, and some have even managed to work on the series itself as both writers and consultants. Around the world and from different walks of life, adult fans reflect on their love for the show, and how it has forever changed the course of their lives.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}
See also
- Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony, a 2012 documentary film about the adult fandom of My Little Pony
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{official website|https://unlikelyfandom.com}}
- {{IMDb title|10761264}}
- {{Letterboxd title | an-unlikely-fandom | An Unlikely Fandom }}
{{Thomas}}
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Category:2023 documentary films
Category:American independent films
Category:American documentary films
Category:Documentary films about fandom