SYNOPSIS
A decade of anthropological research explores a subculture that has existed since the 1980s— people in romantic relationships with their favourite fictional characters.
When New Zealander Abigail began research in 2016 she joined a tight knit community of otaku in Auckland, and an ongoing discussion about the pros and cons of dating an anime character. With deep love for their favourite characters, most seemed to think 2D Love was an ideal, yet troubling reality.
The trend has exploded in the years since Neon Genesis Evangelion ‘blew up’ across screens in Japan in the 1990s. With its own district in Tokyo, people’s love for anime characters (or ‘moe’) has been called a spiritual practice, a sexual preference, and a revolution— the subject of much debate in Japan.
Strangely, when Evangelion hit Netflix a few months before the pandemic, 2D Love and otaku culture experienced a global explosion along with it.
In this allegorical tale about humans and technology, AI feels like the growing elephant in the room.
THE STORY
A deep dive into the intricate world of otaku, 2D Love will explore the roots of ‘moe' across Japan, where the pros and cons of dating fictional characters has been widely discussed since the 1980s— some academics asking if this is a new sexual preference, a way of being, or the end of being human.
Viewers watching return to a post-pandemic world where adults in the US are marrying AI partners, and Japanese anime is viewed over a billion times annually on Netflix.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
“In Auckland the owner of a manga shop used to call it “the cafe for the lonely people”. It was there that we began discussing the future of love and relationships— 2D Love seemed to offer everything someone could wish for, and yet somehow it wasn’t enough. The pandemic radically changed society in New Zealand and around the globe. What felt like a dystopian future has become more real every year, but the film remains a parody about capitalism, love— touching on human’s profound desire for something beyond what the world has to offer.”
— Abigail Egden, Director
WHY NOW?
As the world adapts quickly and unquestioningly to a digital reality, this documentary captures a pivotal moment in history. People are making critical choices about how they navigate a technological society. This isn't just a film about ‘fandom’—it provokes questions about the future of human connection.
Directed by Abigail Egden, 2D Love is the culmination of nearly a decade of intimate, ethnographic research. From Japan’s 1980s anime boom to today’s AI driven romance, a timely parable about life in a modern world.
WHY DONATE?
2D Love is a vital insight into the emotional life behind our digital realities. Your support is more than just a donation. It's an investment in the future of connection and community.
Donations will directly fund Pre-Production, the phase that sets the foundation for the project. With script development and production planning complete, we move into Production (filming), followed by Post-Production (animation, editing, and final touches), and ultimately Distribution. Each dollar brings us closer to sharing this important story with the world.
This isn't just a film—it’s a movement to spark meaningful conversation about love and technology. Your contribution helps make this vision a reality.
YOUR IMPACT
By donating, you’re playing a crucial role in getting this film off the ground. Your contribution will help us secure the necessary funding to expand our reach, connect with more people, and bring in investors who will propel the film forward.
2D Love is an important allegory about love, loneliness and life in a digital world, for a new generation yearning for connection— we want YOU to be part of this groundbreaking project.
THE TEAM
Gemma Easton (New Zealand)
Award-winning producer with a proven track record of success in film and television. Gemma has been an integral part of 2D Love since the beginning, and her expertise will guide this film to international acclaim.
Morgan Perry (US)
Acclaimed documentary director and producer known for Liberated: The New Sexual Revolution (2017). Morgan’s advocacy work with impact-driven films has been featured in major media outlets like CNN, BBC, and The New York Times.
Abigail Egden (New Zealand/US)
Director and anthropologist who started documenting the rise of anime romance in 2016. With almost a decade of research and an award-winning short film already under her belt, Abigail is a rising star in the world of cultural anthropology and documentary filmmaking.
We are excited to serve as the Fiscal Sponsor for the film, 2D Love. Please consider making a donation below via credit or debit card. If you'd prefer to donate via check, you can make your check out to The Wedgwood Circle and write "2D Love" in the memo line and mail it to us at:
The Wedgwood Circle | 109 Center Street N. | Suite #102 | Vienna, VA 22180
