I Used To Be Normal: A Boyband Fangirl Story

Showings

TIFF Lightbox 1 Thu, Apr 26, 2018 9:15 PM
CC, ASL for intro/Q&A
Hart House Theatre Fri, Apr 27, 2018 12:00 PM
CC
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema Fri, May 4, 2018 9:30 PM
CC
Hart House Theatre Sun, May 6, 2018 12:30 PM
CC
Film Info
Runtime:96
Copyright:2017
Country Listing:Australia
Premiere Status:World Premiere
Rating:PG
Festival Info
Festival Year:2018
Language:English
Program Category:Nightvision
Film Subjects:Her Story
Music & Musicians
Television & Popular Culture
Website:http://www.boybandfangirl.com
Cast/Crew Info
Director(s):Jessica Leski
Producer(s):Rita Walsh
Jessica Leski
Executive Producer(s):Kristina Ceyton
Samantha Jennings
Deanne Weir
Editor(s):Johanna Scott
Cinematography:Cesar Salmeron
Eric Laplante
Simon Koloadin
Jason Joseffer
Composer:Jed Palmer
Sound:Simon Rosenberg

Description

[more info]

A Beatlemaniac, a Directioner, a Thatter and a Backstreet Boys fan recall the fun, fantasy and flood of feelings that boyband obsessions continue to bring to their lives beyond the initial teenage rush. Three generations of women from diverse backgrounds find freedom, identity and creative release from fandom and remove its stigma. For each woman, her coming of age involved a deep bond to a boyband that shaped her relationships with others, her sexuality and her faith. Their continued idol worship is a vital outlet, a way of bucking expectations and prescriptive female roles. These boyband fangirls don't just want to be with the boys, they want to be the boys—and have their opportunities and confidence. A refreshing look at women as the subjects of fandom rather than the objects, I Used to Be Normal conveys all the joy, excitement and shame that goes along with being a fan of a certain gender and a certain genre. Angie Driscoll

Additional Information

In The Seats - 4 Stars

POV - "Boyband fandom isn't rocket science and it's also a lot more enjoyable."

The Globe and Mail - "I Used to Be Normal chronicles the highs and lows of extreme fandom"

The Kit - "10 MUST-SEE DOCUMENTARIES AT THE HOT DOCS FILM FESTIVAL"

She Does the City - "10 Powerful, timely, weird & wonderful films you should check out at Hot Docs 2018"

The Star - "Boy bands: the next generation"

Women and Hollywood - "Hot Docs 2018 Women Directors: Meet Jessica Leski - “I Used to Be Normal”"

Sidewalk Hustle - "The best films to catch at Hot Docs 2018."

CBC - "Jessica Leski takes us inside the fascinating world of boy band fangirls."

The Gate - "15 Must See Documentaries from the Opening Weekend of Hot Docs' 25th Landmark Year."