Private Project

How The Original Futurama Transmuted America

The original 1939 Futurama was a revolutionary exhibit and ride that enthralled New York World's Fair visitors with a utopian vision of a near-future America transformed by car-centric urban planning. This documentary explores the profound impact of this forgotten attraction, and how we all still contend with the seductive selling power of gee-whiz futurism today.

  • Chris Baker
    Director
  • Chris Baker
    Writer
  • Chris Baker
    Producer
  • Chris Baker
    Key Cast
    "Narrator"
  • Victor Krummenacher
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    History, comedy, urban planning, environmentalism, documentary, science fiction
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 32 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 10, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,600 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Chris Baker

Chris Baker is a writer, editor, filmmaker, and amateur historian living in Oakland, California, USA.

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Director Statement

The Futurama ride at the 1939 World's Fair reminds us that people trying to stir excitement about their vision of the future are usually just trying to sell us something.