The 2020 documentary following the ups and downs of internet deity Pepe the Frog is now available for free online (legally), on sites like YouTube, Tubi, and more! A play on ‘Feels Bad Man’ a.k.a. Sad Frog, Feels Good Man documents the ways in which an artist can lose control of their art in the age of memes. Pepe debuted online as a cartoon and children’s book illustration but within a few years was declared a hate symbol (in certain contexts) by groups like the Anti-Defamation League. (This org has many issues, but is still reputable for some basic info and keeps up to date in the internet age.)
Produced by Giorgio Angelini, Caryn Capotosto, Arthur Jones (the director), and Aaron Wickenden, the movie features a series of interviews with Pepe creator Matt Furie as he struggles to get back control of his characters. Part of this control involves interactions on the web in a whack-a-mole sense and the other includes the formal lawsuit against large distributors of illegal merchandise like InfoWars (Alex Jones’ show).
(via Twitter, featured image: Ready Fiction Films & Wavelength Productions)
Here are some other bits of news we saw today:
- Sometimes liquid billionaire Elon Musk reversed course on allowing employees to work from home as a leaked Tesla email reveals that those who don’t return for a minimum of 40 hours a week in the office will be fired. (via CNN)
- Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi reveals how Florence and the Machine inspired their latest book. (via Elle)
- More people speak up about abuse by director Cary Fukunaga. (via Rolling Stone)
- Tenessee Holler captures video of Uvalde and Buffalo massacre memorial items (including flowers, letters, and stuffed animals) being cleared from outside of Governers office just ten minutes after the vigil. (via Twitter)
What did you see out there on the internet today?
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