The Untold Story of a Disney Cult Classic

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.

Not Just A Goof has been featured at the Walt Disney Family Museum, D23, and Walt Disney Animation Studios. 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. Christopher Ninness and Eric Kimelton view Not Just A Goof as a spiritual sequel to Don 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. The documentary was released on April 7th on Disney+, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie.

From Basement Tapes to Disney+

We produced Not Just A Goof independently over nearly five years.

What started as a small idea about the fandom quickly became a documentary for the fandom. When director Kevin Lima opened up the box of unreleased VHS and Hi‑8 tapes we knew we had something special. That moment reframed everything.

Tevin Campbell singing i2i in the booth. Bill Farmer’s original recording sessions. Production sketches of Powerline. The deeper we went, the more magic we uncovered.

As Producer, my role was part problem-solver, part navigator. How do we land interviews during a pandemic? How do we handle distribution without studio backing? Should we dig deeper into this emotional core? We continually asked lots of hard questions - spotting roadblocks, chasing opportunities, and keeping focus on the heart of the story.

The film was made with time, favors, and faith. Led by our brilliant directors, Eric Kimelton and Chris Ninness. What carried it across the finish line was the generosity of the original creative team—Kevin Lima, Bill Farmer, Don Hahn, and so many others who trusted us to tell a story that mattered.

A Streaming Hit With Staying Power

Not Just A Goof was licensed by Disney+ and climbed to #3 on the platform. It became a cultural flashpoint—featured in press, embraced by fans, and celebrated by the very studio that created its subject. What started as an indie passion project became canon.

For the generation who grew up with A Goofy Movie, this was the ultimate reward: seeing a story we believed in resonate with so many around the world.