Documentary
New Zealand,United States of America,Canada
The documentary A Brony Tale follows voice artist Ashleigh Ball as she explores the world of bronies – adult male fans of the show My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Ball is the voice of two of the characters on the show, and she is initially surprised to learn that the majority of the show's fans are adult men. She travels to various conventions and meets with both fans and detractors of the movement, trying to understand what exactly it is that draws these men to the show.
Throughout the film, Ball's perspective on bronies shifts significantly. At first, she approaches the phenomenon with confusion and some skepticism, but as she speaks with more fans, she begins to have a deeper appreciation for the sense of community and acceptance that many of them find in the show. She also begins to understand how much courage it often takes for bronies to share their love of My Little Pony with others, given the social stigma that is often attached to adult men who enjoy traditionally "girly" things.
The film also touches on some of the controversies surrounding the brony community, including accusations of sexism and harassment. However, overall, the documentary presents a sympathetic and nuanced view of bronies, highlighting the positive impact that belonging to a fandom can have on people's lives.
