going potty over harry
We Are Wizards
The celebration of fandom continues this week with a new documentary about the creative pursuits of Harry Potter fans.
In We Are Wizards it becomes clear that Rowling's legacy extends far greater than her audiences enjoyment of her written works and the films that followed: she has single-handedly spawned a creative uprising.
Brooklyn-based documentary maker Josh Koury's film documents how a special time in literary history can trigger creative and emotional responses in people. He spotlights a handful of those who have moulded lifestyles and creative pursuits out of their fandom and ultimately how legions of fans have taken ownership of this cultural phenomenon.
Potter devotees featured in the film include Wizard Rock bands such as 'Harry and the Potters', a group of seven-year-olds who perform as 'The Hungarian Horntails', alternative soundtrackers, fansites that slay corporations, and books on the nature of Harry Potter fandom.
Koury delicately presents a balance of opinion, including one critic of the series who believes Harry Potter has the potential to turn children to the dark arts!
At the time of the film's world premiere last year, Koury told US Filmmaker magazine of his fascination with the active Potter fanbase. "What I like about this particular fanbase is that it's not just in chatrooms, it's not someone holed up in their parents' basement with a computer - they take it out onto the streets and actually perform and have meet-ups and groups and collaborate and work together and communicate together. That's what fascinates me."
The magazine's review described the film as "a little film with considerable charm that depicts its characters - and Potter fandom as a whole - with affection and integrity. The creativity and passion of the film's subjects is celebrated rather than mocked."
Ultimately the documentary is not limited to fans of Harry Potter, but is a wider tribute to the cult of fandom. Koury acknowledges that the timing of the film meant that 'Potterdom' provided a great case study, however it is a true documentary gem in the way it relates to whichever cult community you may subscribe to.
We Are Wizards premieres in Melbourne at ACMI on Thursday 4 June and runs until Sunday 7 June. More here.
Fans of Harry Potter can see all five Harry Potter films at ACMI from the end of June as part of the Kids' Flicks program these winter school holidays. See them individually or in a movie marathon in time for the release of the sixth instalment Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Wizards click here
Published Thursday, 4 June 2009
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