'Big Phan' documentary's world premiere at Philadelphia Film Festival

Alicia VitarelliSun, October 18, 2026 at 3:06 AM UTC

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It was a world debut of the most Philly kind this morning as the documentary "Big Phan" premiered at the Philadelphia Film Festival in Center City.

Our Alicia Vitarelli was there for the big reveal of the film starring the one and only Phillie Phanatic!

You're about to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the famous, furry green guy in "Big Phan," and of course the guest of honor was on hand for the world premiere.

Directed by Philadelphia's own Hoag Kepner, Big Phan takes fans behind the scenes of our beloved Phillie Phanatic.

"I took one look at him when I was watching a game," says Kepner, "and I said, 'Surely there's been a documentary, a deep dive.' There hasn't been, so I wanted there to be one."

We know how much he means to us here in Philly, but what is the Phanatic's origin story and how did he come to be one of America's most recognizable mascots?

"We've been a lot of places around the world," says Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, "and he shows up and makes people feel better, no matter what's happening."

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We learn the Phanatic's place in Phillies history, and the cultural impact he's had on generations of Philadelphia fans.

"They know that the Phanatic is the heart and the spirit of the city, and he brings joy to everybody," says Tom Burgoyne, the current Phillie Phanatic. "Hopefully, this movie does too."

We get to meet the men who have truly brought the Phanatic to life.

"I think Dave and I can both look and say, 'Wow, what a legacy,'" says Burgoyne. "This thing we got to create way back in 1978. Look at all the positive energy and just positive good times."

"It's humbling and so much fun for us," adds Raymond. "To be together and celebrate this a project that started two years ago, it's like Christmas morning."

You can see Big Phan again on the big screen at the 35th Philadelphia Film Festival.

LINK:

https://filmadelphia.org/festival/

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”