Vitalik: An Ethereum Story

A new documentary offering an “intimate” look at Vitalik Buterin and the Ethereum ecosystem will stream starting this Friday. “Vitalik: An Ethereum Story” chronicles Buterin and the Ethereum community’s efforts to promote an open internet.

In July 2021, this documentary completed the largest crowdfund in its category, raising 1,036 ETH (approximately $2.6 million) for its production budget. It was released theatrically on Wednesday across 23 countries, sponsored by the Ethereum Layer 2 Base.

A preview viewed by The Block includes interviews with Buterin, his parents, and notable figures in technology and art, such as Dmitry Buterin, Danny Ryan, Itzel Yard, and Tim O’Reilly. The film explores Buterin’s childhood and chronicles why and how he helped establish Ethereum through both new interviews and archival footage.

Viewers can stream the film for 30 days via a token-gated website at ethereumfilm.xyz, with plans for its availability on major streaming platforms in 2025.

In a segment filmed in May 2023, Buterin expresses his desire to steer developments in a positive direction amidst recent upheavals, cautioning against the risks associated with market speculation: “My biggest fear is a bull market… There is value in being quiet, and there is value in not being loud until you have something that’s worth being loud about.”

Ethereum, the second-largest blockchain, recently celebrated its ninth birthday. Ether’s price fluctuated around $4,300 in November 2021, and is currently trading at about $2,535.

Directed by Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple, produced by Carrie Weprin and Jenna Kelly, and created in collaboration with Optimist, Strange Design, Lone Palm Productions, Big Beach, and TIME Studios, the film aims to democratize distribution. Carrie Weprin states: “By partnering with Base and 0x | Matcha, the goal is to put control of the film into the hands of people, not big distributors…”.

Optimist is a non-profit studio known for its films on platforms like Netflix, PBS, and HBO, while 0x provides tools for web3 app development.

This film is intended for community members, the crypto-curious, and skeptics alike. Ingrasci notes, “This film can’t capture the full story of Ethereum, as it’s too diverse for one film—but seeing the community through Vitalik’s eyes makes this narrative accessible and human.”