When filmmakers Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple set out to capture the mysterious, fast-evolving world of crypto, they had no idea they’d end up telling one of the most human stories tech has to offer.
Their documentary, Vitalik: An Ethereum Story, isn't just another deep dive into the blockchain buzz — it's an intimate portrait of Vitalik Buterin, the quiet genius behind Ethereum, who defies every stereotype of what a “tech billionaire” should be.
While filming their previous project, This Is Not Financial Advice, a chance interview with Vitalik flipped the script entirely. His quirky charm, humility, and deep belief in decentralization fascinated them. What started as an exploration of crypto soon morphed into a heartfelt journey across continents — from Ukraine to Colombia — trailing a global nomad with a vision to reshape the future.
A Film Funded by the Future
In the summer of 2021, riding the NFT wave, the duo raised nearly $2 million in just 50 hours through a decentralized crowdfunding campaign — a powerful proof of concept for crypto in the filmmaking world. No middlemen. No gatekeepers. Just the community and a dream.
“We weren’t crypto-native,” Temple admits. “We were just curious about the people using tech to make a difference. Vitalik’s story was too good not to tell.”
The Man Behind the Code
This isn’t the suit-and-tie tech narrative you’re used to. Ingrasci and Temple captured Vitalik drinking tea, making breakfast, and laughing with his family. They dove into his childhood — when he created a 100-page “bunny universe” complete with an economy, energy system, and charts… all at age seven.
And now? He’s still building — only now it’s Ethereum, not imaginary rabbit worlds.
From war-torn Ukraine, where Ethereum helped deliver millions in crypto aid, to thought-provoking conversations on leadership, morality, and the crypto culture wars — this film captures Vitalik navigating his role not as a tech overlord, but as a thinker, a builder, and a quiet revolutionary.
Crypto Meets Cinema: A New Model Emerges
Beyond the story itself, Vitalik is a glimpse into how Web3 is transforming filmmaking. The team used platforms like Mirror, Zora, and Bonfire for funding, marketing, and even distribution — allowing them to premiere in 30 cities across 24 countries, completely independently.
This wasn’t just a film. It was a case study in what’s possible when you remove the old rules.
A Story That Resonates Beyond Crypto
For the filmmakers, the real win wasn’t just getting the movie on Apple and Prime Video. It was hearing from viewers who finally felt understood — whether they were developers, dreamers, or just someone’s mom trying to understand what “Ethereum” actually means.
Because in the end, Vitalik isn’t about blockchain. It’s about vision. Vulnerability. And the power of tech — when wielded with heart — to change the world.