Watch Fursonas

"Raise the Fursona" is the rallying cry of the furry fandom, a subculture where individuals create anthropomorphic animal personas as a way to express themselves and connect with others. In the documentary "Fursonas," filmmaker Dominic Rodriguez explores this world through the eyes of a handful of its members, including con chairman Samuel "Uncle Kage" Conway and activist Gary Matthews.

The film begins with an introduction to the furry fandom, touching on its origins in comic books and animation and its evolution into a full-blown subculture with its own conventions and terminology. We meet several furries, including a young man named Boomer whose fursona is a folf (a fox-wolf hybrid), a woman named Panda whose fursona is a giant panda, and a man named BoD whose fursona is a bat-demon.

As the movie progresses, we learn more about each of these individuals and what drew them to the furry community. For many, it's a way to escape the mundanity of everyday life and tap into their wild, creative sides. For others, it's a way to connect with others who share similar interests and values. And for some, it's just a fun hobby.

But the documentary doesn't just showcase the furry fandom's positive aspects. It also delves into some of the controversies that have plagued the community, such as the infamous "Zoo" incident where a handful of furries engaged in sexual acts with animals. Matthews, who has been an advocate for clean-up efforts in the fandom, tells his story and shares his thoughts on how the community can move forward.

One of the most interesting things about "Fursonas" is how it portrays the relationship between furries and the media. Over the years, the mainstream media has frequently portrayed the furry fandom in a disparaging light, painting its members as social outcasts with odd and often perverse interests. The documentary features several clips from news segments and talk shows that perpetuate these stereotypes.

But the film also shows how some furries have taken it upon themselves to represent their community to the media in a more positive way. Conway, for example, has become a de facto spokesperson for the fandom, appearing on news programs to offer insight and context. The documentary follows him as he gets ready for a TV interview and talks about the importance of presenting furries in a positive light.

Overall, "Fursonas" is an engaging and thought-provoking look at a subculture that is often misunderstood and maligned. Rodriguez does a great job of presenting a variety of viewpoints and experiences, and has a clear affection for the furry fandom even as he acknowledges its flaws. Whether you're a member of the furry community or a curious outsider, this documentary is definitely worth checking out.

Fursonas is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.