I sat right next to Fantasy A and watched the whole movie. 15 minutes in everyone was laughing out LOUD!!! In short, this movie is Pulp Fiction without the predictable R-rated shock-em scenes... Funny A.F.

This movie is a lot of fun to watch. Go see it!

Staff Writer; THE SEATTLE TIMES

It refreshes something within us. It leaves us feeling revitalized, reinvigorated, maybe a little more human. There is a part of us it wakes up — a part we’ve been yearning to have awoken.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PUBLISHED COVER STORY in The Seattle Times

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PUBLISHED REVIEW in The Seattle Times

Member, NATIONAL SOCIETY OF FILM CRITICS
Contributor, FILM COMMENT MAGAZINE
Film Critic, SEATTLE WEEKLY
Film Critic, THE DAILY HERALD

A city symphony, one of the best to come out of Seattle.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PUBLISHED ARTICLE for Scarecrow Video.

Creator, VANISHING SEATTLE

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is a vibrantly offbeat, highly original adventure set against a backdrop of recognizable (IYKYK) and gritty Old Seattle scenes – many of which have since vanished. It will have you rooting for our hardest-hustling hometown hero – who gives a fantastic performance along with the entire talented and dynamic local cast.

Creating a huge buzz!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL TV SEGMENT + ARTICLE on FOX 13 Seattle.

Film Critic / Reporter, SEATTLE TIMES; COLLIDER; THE INLANDER; THE STRANGER

[A] truly original Seattle story overflowing with homegrown creativity and humor the filmmakers say is a testament to the importance of getting out there to make films about the city. After its success, the team says it hopes to make another soon. Until then, the history of Seattle film has a new chapter that, while still being written, begins and ends with Fantasy A.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PUBLISHED REVIEW in THE SEATTLE TIMES.

Journalist & Comedian

The real Sleepless in the real Seattle and this time, curfew is 4:30 PM. This is the grit and hope and the funny we need.

Journalist

It’s a juicy, and profoundly sweaty, adventure as Fantasy A schleps around the city on foot after getting kicked out of his group home for coming home past curfew.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PUBLISHED ARTICLE in the South Seattle Emerald

Staff Writer / Cultural Critic, THE STRANGER

Incoherence is, with Mattress, the very logic of the work, which has at its center a Seattle rapper, Fantasy A (Alexander Hubbard), trying to become rich and famous—and who also dreams of obtaining a mattress he “can dream on.”

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PUBLISHED ARTICLE in The Stranger

Arts Reporter, KUOW NPR

This film has been making rounds through Seattle, selling out venues all over the city. As a bonus, this is super local. You will see scenes from the real Seattle, not just the Space Needle, and the characters are local artists who the filmmakers wanted to put in front of larger audiences.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RADIO INTERVIEW + ARTICLE for KUOW NPR Public Radio.

Editor-in-Chief, IN THEIR OWN LEAGUE
Film Critic, SEATTLE FILM CRITICS SOCIETY

It has a winning protagonist, absurd supporting characters and a plot that is somewhat a retelling of “Alice in Wonderland.” If twisted comedy is your cup of hard cider, this film is for you.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PUBLISHED ARTICLE in In Their Own League

Film Programmer, THE BEACON CINEMA
Musician, PROFIT PRISON

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is, simply put, the best film to come out of Seattle in years, and possibly ever. A true document of the real Seattle, the film has more energy, humor and life in it than our fair city may deserve. The titular protagonist/superhero of the film is completely magnetic and eminently likable, and the excellent ensemble cast and way-too-good cinematography make for a really rich filmgoing experience. Get with it or kick rocks.

Ceramic Artist

Fantasy A is a visually stimulating, sincere, and weird journey of following and finding your joy through all obstacles. It is the hero’s quest in a city (Seattle) filled with strange characters all slowly finding refuge in your heart.

Curator & Events Coordinator, Fantagraphics Bookstore

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress captures the cultural climate of Seattle in a way that outsiders couldn’t. An entertaining and enlightening achievement for local independent filmmaking. Highly recommended viewing.

DJ, KEXP

Yo, Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is an instant classic. One of the best Seattle movies ever.

Reporter, HIGH COUNTRY NEWS

[T]he film is funny. It has hilarious, committed performances from its actors, none of whom had previously acted in a feature film. Fantasy A’s magnetism, in particular, carries the audience through the movie. He delivers gut-busting lines again and again. The actors are why the film is able to tackle heavy topics with humor, wit, and West Coast hip-hop.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW in High Country News.

Author, UNITY

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is truly stupendous and you don’t want to miss if if you have any chance to catch one of these screenings. It’s both the most surreal and the most real film I’ve seen in recent memory, and it turns Seattle back into a real place. Dazzling and so much fun.

Music Artist, DJ, & Producer

Blown away! Go see Fantasy A Gets a Mattress!

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress needs to be the first film shown at Cinerama when it reopens! I am accepting no alternatives.

Creator, OUTSIDERS PODCAST
Reporter, KNKX

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is one of the best pieces of Seattle art I’ve ever seen. A love letter to Seattle that truly sees this city. I want you all to become Fantasy A-pilled.

Comics Artist

A comically charming approach to the struggles Fantasy A faces in a beautifully filmed, authentic Seattle.

You can tell everyone had a good time making this. There's more energy and drive behind these people than many films with the same budget and level of experience.

It's a heavy story that ultimately has a supportive ending. The Seattle that is caught on film is a real one. It's a bit rough around the edges and it's the realistic background to the unique and almost cartoon-like characters.

I look forward to more from this team! This film feels like it could be extended into a series on a streaming service.

Writer & Fine Artist

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress reminded me of Seattle's magic—spooky and hilarious and beautiful. Everybody who hasn't seen it wants to, and everybody who has seen it wants to see it again. Riddled with brilliant, unforgettable lines, Fantasy A is already a cult classic—one of my favorite Seattle movies of all time, up there with Streetwise.

Music Artist, TINY VIPERS

This film presents Fantasy A as a folk hero for all the artists struggling to exist in an expensive city. As a musician, seeing that screening, especially with Fantasy A present in the audience, made me feel inspired and a part of a larger movement of local, passionate DIY art.

Drummer, DUDE YORK

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is the most honest movie about trying to make anything (or make it) in Seattle (or any city) in an era where the internet means nothing and reality is being demolished one building at a time. Go see it.

PhD, FILM & DIGITAL MEDIA
Assistant Professor of Film Studies, SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

For at least the last decade, the term "underground film" has seemed like a throwback––a hangover from the media landscape of the late 20th century. What would underground film even look like in the era of personalized streaming video? Well, here comes Fantasy A gets a Mattress to change all that. With its compellingly bizarre aesthetics, its cast of hustling Seattle artists and dreamers, and its laser-like focus on the city's hyperlocal settings, this film revitalizes the notion of film as ideally rooted in a specific community and space. In its series of sold-out shows at local microcinemas like The Beacon, Fantasy A even evokes a revived underground scene through its distribution. Run, don't walk, to see this film, preferably with your neighbors at a theater that programs weird, fun films like this.

Associate Editor, ANTI-GRAVITY MAGAZINE

Seattle, like so many cities in the United States, continues to be trapped in the ongoing struggle between the “real” city and the increasingly hostile tech hellscape that has become untenable for so many people. Fantasy A Gets a Mattress captures this reality in a way that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The streets of the city—and corrupt non-profits and landlords—are hungry for blood, Fantasy A and his community face myriad struggles and must hustle daily, and dreams never quite manifest. And yet, even though it is not operating at full strength, the weird, wonderful, creative heart of Seattle still beats on. Fantasy A never gives up on the quests to share his music and find a place to sleep; there is still art to be made, there is still community, and, against all odds, there is still some semblance of hope. Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is not only a tough but tender love letter to Seattle but also essential viewing for anyone who is trying to thrive and create amidst the throes of late-stage capitalism.

Chief Editor, RUNTA NEWS

I am amazed how a dedicated small group of producers, directors, and actors with almost zero budget can commit to a such great work of art that is authentic and truthful to the situations portrayed in the film. In fact, I liked the idea that the producers have chosen modest areas of Seattle that perfectly matched the real story the movie. Fantasy A Gets a Mattress belongs to big theaters so to encourage young and local producers who have such incredible talent for movie making. I have enjoyed every act and love every actor. They were all sincere and compassionate about their role in the film.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PUBLISHED ARTICLE in Runta News.

Fine Artist

Featuring a genuine and likable lead character, Fantasy A, an autistic hip-hopper, this fine, funny, energetic, and honest film depicts his challenging quest for stardom and chasing the dream in Seattle. I enjoyed the stylized camera work. Lots of nicely composed close-ups. Very graphic in its vibrant visual scenes, I also liked the gritty textural backdrops featuring graffiti and decay––street cred authenticity––with little in the way of iconic and traditional Seattle tourist fare. No dang Needle here.

Loved the final scene depicting our protagonist trudging up an on-ramp while pushing a swaying mattress, his final Sisyphean task.

But it’s the story that grabs you, offbeat but heartfelt and inspirational without being cloying and sentimental.

Sidebar: I am a visual artist and painter. During the first part of the movie filmed inside of an apartment, of all things, I saw a painting of mine hanging on a wall, part of a series featuring the puffy thought clouds of cartoon-land. Good taste, I thought.

Cultural Preservationist, YOUTUBE

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress somehow manages to transform gritty Seattle sights and sounds into what feels like a fun, almost dayglo playground.

The characters are so lovable that halfway through this romp I was honestly wishing I could leap through the screen and become a part of their strange adventures!

Weird, fresh, funny, and totally original. This film is a beautiful mutation and Fantasy A is an underdog hero that we all want to root for.

Long live Seattle’s Undisputed King of Hustle!!

Comics Artist, THE STRANGER; SEATTLE MAGAZINE

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is a Seattle classic from the get go. The memorable cast is a delight to watch as some of the characters attempt to seize opportunities in their lives. It’s a story about making dreams reality. It’s also about getting through reality by following dreams. The dialogue and situations are truly entertaining. The way this movie “sees” Seattle, with its transitions and shots on location is fun. The audience is on this adventure with Fantasy A the whole time. He will be a star—he is a star. And he will get a mattress!

Author, SONG OF THE CROW; MAN OF THE WORLD
Co-Founder, EYE WRITE IT PROJECT

The unusually bright and striking color, the idealization of the city, the dialogue, and how the characters speak in close up, as if within the frame of a graphic novel——the comedy Fantasy A Gets a Mattress feels like a new form of storytelling, a film style that doesn’t quite have a name yet. Fresh and original, like early Jim Jarmusch’s Stranger Than Paradise.

Take strange enjoyment in how petty and vicious the characters are to each other, yet remain—somehow—likable and warm. A slight-of-hand of comic generosity by the actors and script. Fantasy A (who plays himself) sailing across the sky in a praying position is Meme-O-Clastic.

PhD, COMPARATIVE LITERATURE, CINEMA & MEDIA STUDIES
Associate Teaching Professor of Film & Media Studies, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, TACOMA

While wandering in the middle of a dark Seattle street, the titular character, Fantasy A, finds a cardboard sign that reads “Anything Helps.” Using the sign to cushion his knees, he kneels in a sort of prayer, confessing to the audience, “you know what y’all, I’m not great at expressing myself in my face. I wish you could see how I feel on the inside.” A simple, but profound plea to viewers to recognize his humanity. Anything helps.

This may not sound like a radical request, but it is when you consider the history of Hollywood films that feature disabled characters – the majority of which perpetuate dehumanizing stereotypes (the “Obsessive Avenger” of horror films, the pitiable “Tiny Tim”/ “Sweet Innocent” of melodramas, the "Supercrip" of Superhero films…) and ableist narrative tropes (Better-Dead-Than-Disabled, Inspiration Porn, and the Overcoming Narrative to name a few). Also noteworthy is this film’s rejection of the savant trope which is prevalent in narratives featuring autistic characters (Rain Man, The Good Doctor). There is no “cripping up” (or “disability drag”) here, another common attribute in the canon of lauded performances of disabled characters (Sean Penn in I am Sam, Tom Hanks in Forest Gump, Leonardo DiCaprio in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape). As a familiar face and artistic presence in Seattle, local audiences will recognize the autistic rapper protagonist of the film, Fantasy A. His performance conveys his character’s charm, wit, frustration, introspection, dreams, and daily grind to survive.

A truly original arthouse/indie film, blending dark comedy with surrealist moments, Fantasy A Gets a Mattress evokes the explosive cinematography of Do the Right Thing and the struggles of the disenfranchised of The Bicycle Thieves. Like the neorealist classic that turned a simple object (a stolen bicycle) into a symbol of post-war Italy’s systemic failures, many contemporary audience members will recognize their own struggle to “get a mattress”/survive in an increasingly expensive city woefully short on services for the disabled and dispossessed.

Film Critic, SITTING IN THE CINEMA
Film Critic, AZ BIG MEDIA

Ludicrous and endearing blend of Gregg Araki energy, Harmony Korine grime, and John Waters caricature … a microbudget miracle—a madcap ode to the brash Seattle pipe dreams that keep the city weird.

Smiley Face meets The Beach Bum meets the brash Seattle pipe dreams that keep the city weird. If this isn't a cult classic down the line, then cinema is dead.

Illustrator, Author, Artist

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is one of the most fun movies I’ve been to ever!! Fantasy A was amazing. It felt like a visual love letter to south Seattle. I hope someday to put Fantasy A in one of my picture books.

Guitarist & Vocalist, THE BLACK ENDS

I’ve never had so much fun watching a film in my life. The energy in the theatre was electric - I can’t believe how hard I laughed. Every joke landed. Every single one. Everyone around me was so in it too! I cried laughing and I felt so rejuvenated after it all. THANK YOU FANTASY A I AM INSPIRED AND FEEL LOVE ALL AROUND. FILMS MATTER. THIS FILM MATTERS. I’ll never forget this experience for the rest of my time on this planet. I love this city.

Film Editor, THE SUNBREAK

The highly eclectic, brightly colored, hyperlocally produced story of an autistic rapper’s odyssey through trials and tribulations has packed local theaters throughout the summer.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL PUBLISHED ARTICLE on The Sunbreak.

Comics Artist

Fantasy A, whose bold, self-promoting posters have covered Seattle for years, shines in the brightly colored, absorbing, disorienting, enjoyably watchable, very hometown, enthusiastically received comedy Fantasy A Gets a Mattress.

Fine Artist

Embark on a vibrant journey like no other with Fantasy A Gets a Mattress, a Seattle-centric voyage brimming with colorful, boundless creativity.

Multimedia Fine Artist

An actual cult classic. Good to know as a film maker from here that good things are being made.

Comics Artist

Miles away from Amazonia’s shiny high rises, real Seattleites follow their dreams and pursue success, and one can’t help but wish them well, especially Fantasy A, the autistic rapper. An extremely funny and entertaining story of ambition against all odds in a very recognizable Seattle (to the point of absurdity) where everyone has their dream but nobody has any money. A well written and superbly filmed indie film that’s the definition of a must-see.

Adj. Professor of Media Studies, THE NEW SCHOOL
Former Director of Foundation, Media, & Communication Arts Department, THE CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK

I highly recommend this film! It’s a fresh, funny, thoughtful film about not just securing a place to lay your head, but the search to use your head in a creative way and get credit for it. A terrific look at Seattle’s underground, underfunded, unhoused artists!

Music Artist

5 stars! Clever writing, great acting, hilarious critique on what it’s like to live as a creative and what we tend to place importance on. Looking forward to watching it again.

Singer-songwriter

Literally the best movie I have ever seen in my life! You are trash if you don’t go see this. 😈

DJ Seabefore, HOLLOW EARTH RADIO KHUH-LP 104.9

It's a dope movie. Hella cool to see a ton of the homies participating.

Senior City Editor, SEAtoday

2023’s sleeper hit.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PUBLISHED ARTICLE in SEAtoday.

Mutual Aid Org. Founder, NIRVANA WOK
Director, DOOMED PLANET
Podcast Host, DOOMED PLANET

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is a charming guerrilla horror comedy that, like any great art, creates an oddball mood. This celebration of postering and graffiti set in a post-apocalyptic Seattle dreamscape populated with endearing social outcasts is a triumph of no budget filmmaking.

CLICK HERE for full podcast episiode.

I liked the warm color. They call him the imminent rapper. I got the angle. You were grabbing a guy right when he was horny; right at the right moment. Horny for more success. He’s not too powerful, but he’s known. Carpe diem. You seized the moment. You leveraged.

I recognized the scenery, because I know that area. I have no idea what this movie means in Seattle society right now. Or it was just a silly story. Is it nostalgic to some people? I was wondering: is it really like that down there? Are there this many dilapidated buildings with nothing in them? Ok, so that’s my release about the movie.

Fine Artist

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is a colorful quirky Seattle film spotlighting the struggle and triumph of the underground art scene.

Film Critic, YOU’RE WATCHING A MOVIE

Shot locally, very guerrilla style, very low budget, independent. It is showing around Seattle and selling out.

CLICK HERE for full podcast episode interview with co-director/writer David Norman Lewis.

Arts Reporter, The Stranger & The Portland Mercury EverOut Guide

Grab a seat to witness Fantasy A's love letter to South Seattle.

CLICK HERE for full published article in EverOut Seattle

Fine Artist

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is a romp and fun ride through a rich Seattle landscape, filled with original colorful characters and playful cinematography.

Artist, GODDESS KRING

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is a quintessential example of a movie mirroring its own message! Underdogs can win. The funky, unique dream-like, campy-humored scenes create a synergy effect that left me the day after remembering the atmosphere the film created like it was a dream I had that inspired me and haunted me simultaneously. The mood it creates lingered with me long after watching the movie.

Producer, DJ, Rapper

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress, I mean, what more can I say? I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all my dear friends collaborate and star in a movie filmed in the city I was born and raised in and love. The film captures a bittersweet look of what Seattle once was; its beauty and overabundance of talent and creativity. I laughed, I cried, I had a memorable time. 5 stars. Thank you for all the inspiration over the years, Fantasy A!

Fine Artist

Fantasy A Gets a Mattress is a masterpiece. The symbolism of the mattress is only overshadowed by the realism of the life of the main character. It frankly speaks of the life of an up-and-coming artist; the struggles that at times bring tears to the eyes of the viewer are then balanced by the comedic genius in this movie.

Director of Film Program, EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

A magical realist hero's journey through the underrepresented parts of Seattle. Filled with larger-than-life characters and absurdist situations, the film also manages to ground itself in the genuine warmth and love of Fantasy A and his supporting crew. The filmmakers' deft tonal balancing and expressive style make me excited to see their future productions.

Film Director & Theater Professional

An inspiring ode to up-and-coming Seattleites who run up against every obstacle in the book (and then some) yet continue to pursue their dreams. Fantasy A is the heart and soul of the film, and the production. The writing is superb ("Either it'll be here any minute, or I JUST missed it!" "My life is more real than yours."), the fantastical nature of Fantasy's day-to-day life lead[s] to surprises and humor, and in Fantasy A, we have a hero we can root for. I want to extend gratitude to the filmmakers for including an autistic lead character as the hero. We very rarely see ourselves represented on screen this way, and Fantasy A teaches us that all of our dreams, whether big or small (to be a rap star, to get a mattress) are valid. I will never forget the final, wonderful shot of Fantasy A pushing his mattress across the bridge. Thank you for giving us a hometown hero!