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The Team
Not Just A Goof unites past and present storytellers to bring this long-awaited tale to life. A blend of original visionaries and fresh talent, the team pours its passion into a story as heartfelt as it is compelling.
Critical Reception
"A loving tribute to a film that is just now finally getting the love it deserves."
— Ross Bonaime
"A love letter to the cult classic — injected with the same extra heart as the movie it celebrates."
— April 2025
"Honors A Goofy Movie with due reverence."
— Alex Reif
The Documentary
The Story
Not Just A Goof is a documentary uncovering the untold story of A Goofy Movie. It follows a young creative team tackling their first Disney feature, facing disappointment upon release, only for the film to gain a passionate following decades later. Through key interviews and rare archival footage, it explores the struggles, victories, and studio dynamics that shaped the movie. More than just a behind-the-scenes look, it highlights why A Goofy Movie remains a beloved gem for the generation that grew up watching it. This captivating retrospective sheds light on Disney Animation's evolution and the film's enduring legacy, making it a must-watch for Disney fans and '90s kids alike.
The film was directed by Christopher Ninness and Eric Kimelton, who also co-wrote the story alongside Mason Trueblood. Produced by Scott Seibold and executive produced by Don Hahn, renowned for his work on iconic films such as Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Waking Sleeping Beauty. Ninness and Kimelton view Not Just A Goof as a spiritual sequel to Hahn's Waking Sleeping Beauty, drawing on similar themes and creative inspiration. The original score was composed by Cameron Chambers, with original animation provided by Venturia Animation Studios.
Critical Reception
Coverage
Senior Film Editor Ross Bonaime digs into the archives of one of Disney's most underrated animated films, calling it a treasure trove for fans and praising Kevin Lima's never-before-seen personal VHS collection as the documentary's crown jewel.
Rotoscopers praises the film as having everything you want from a making-of documentary — production stories, cast and crew interviews, and never-before-seen clips — elevated by the same emotional depth as the movie it celebrates.
Critic Alex Reif awarded a perfect score, comparing the film favorably to Waking Sleeping Beauty and calling it an essential retrospective for any Disney fan. Laughing Place also covered the film's Annie Award nomination for Best Special Production.
AWN's in-depth feature describes how Ninness and Kimelton weave interviews, new hand-drawn animation, and a deeply personal storyline into a compelling look at how an animated film can bring people with seemingly insurmountable differences together.
Ramin Zahed's in-depth feature — published ahead of the 53rd Annie Awards — follows Ninness and Kimelton as they reflect on the journey from independent passion project to Disney+ premiere and Annie nomination.
Written by the filmmakers themselves, this feature charts the full journey: from a scrappy independent pitch to Kevin Lima, to festival screenings, to landing on Disney+.
Critic M.N. Miller notes the film ultimately proves audiences — not critics — are responsible for turning movies into classics.
Peter Paltridge calls the documentary long overdue, noting that until now rare DVD releases never included any special features on the film — making this the definitive account of A Goofy Movie's creation.
ABC7 spotlighted the film ahead of its Disney+ premiere, featuring Kevin Lima's recollections of being a first-time director trying to make "a John Hughes movie in animation."
Jeff Totey writes that the documentary isn't really a "making-of" — it's about the people behind the film and the people who love it.
The archival footage and in-depth approach make this one of the best documentaries released in recent memory.
Press Kit
Download our full EPK for press assets, bios, and high-resolution images.
Visual Gallery
