Catfish

In light of the recent success of The Social Network, I thought I would share another cool social media movie you should check out…

Catfish’s trailer describes this documentary as “not based on a true story – not inspired by true events – just true”. (I can vouch for the authenticity b/c these are my colleague’s best friends & he knew about the story as it was happening)

In a nutshell: This young guy is a photographer living in NYC…he connects with a rural Michigan family because an eight year old girl sends him a painting of one of his photographs. Through Facebook he gradually meets her entire family, including the girl’s older sister. The photographer and older sister begin an online romance although they have never met. One day, he is falling so hard for this girl he decides that is time they meet- however on his way to Michigan he realizes the family is a fabrication of their own imaginations.

This documentary is a great look into the more questionable side of social media and I think it’s important for every communication professional to be aware that part exist.

(Click here to watch the trailer) Catfish was released on DVD and Blu-ray on January 4, 2011.