If there’s one documentary to rule them all, it’s the upcoming Fantasy Rising, a tell-all feature documentary set to explore the rise of the fantasy genre from its humble folklore beginnings to the billion-dollar blockbuster behemoth of today. Director Tom O’Dell, who previously helmed the documentary Rise of the Superheroes, just recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the final elements of post-production on the film as well as Blu-ray and Collector Editions for those who still love physical media.
Fantasy Rising will chronicle the origins of the fantasy genre and its rise in popularity over the decades through exclusive interviews with influential figures within the community including Raymond E. Feist (Magician), Sir Ian Livingstone (Games Workshop, Fighting Fantasy), Peter V. Brett (The Demon Cycle), Scott Lynch (The Lies of Locke Lamora), and more. Whether you’re a fan of The Lord of the Ring, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Dungeons & Dragons, or any other of the multitudes in the genre, there’s something here for everyone.
For as little as £10, Kickstarter backers can receive a ticket to the virtual premiere of the documentary. Other rewards include a Special Edition Double-Disc Blu-ray (£35), Collector’s Edition (£120) featuring a limited hardcover edition of “Phantastes: A Faerie Romance” along with an exclusive dice bag, D&D dice, art cards, collector’s pin, and bookmark. For £5,000, you can even become an Executive Producer on the film. Check out the Kickstarter campaign for all the reward details and how you can donate.
“Fantasy’s journey into the mainstream was hard-won,” says director Tom O’Dell. “For more than a century it was confined to the children’s section. Its evolution has taken so many fascinating twists and turns and its audience has evolved with it — from bedtime stories and basement D&D sessions to shared family cinema events and scholarly debate. Fantasy now sits at the very heart of global entertainment. This is the perfect moment to tell its story.”
