The Hobby

A big-hearted testament to the meaning we find in supposedly meaningless pursuits, this documentary brings viewers into a remarkable community of people who share a deep and abiding devotion to board games. With subjects that include an erudite games historian, several aspiring designers and the many fierce competitors at the World Series of Board Games in Las Vegas, THE HOBBY presents this bustling subculture from a variety of perspectives, emphasizing the diversity that exists within it. Even better is the joyful and endlessly curious spirit that suffuses this effort by Simon Ennis, a filmmaker who was last at the festival with LUNARCY! (KCFF13), a look at some of the moon’s biggest fans. His latest expresses just as much affection for all the proud games nerds on screen.

Director: Simon Ennis

Cast: Paul Sullivan, Jesse Craig, Rick Probstein

Language: English

Runtime: 88 minutes

simon ennis, director

Simon Ennis is a Canadian filmmaker known for exploring unique subcultures. His latest documentary, The Hobby, premiered at SXSW 2024, offering a celebratory look at the world of board games. Inspired by his own late-blooming passion for the hobby, Ennis captures the vibrant community of players, designers, and collectors. Previously, he directed LUNARCY!, highlighting his talent for exploring unconventional communities with humor and heart.

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