Slamdance 25' Project Dad - documentary movie review

Project Dad explores the complex bond between a feminist and her pickup artist father at Slamdance.

Among the many documentaries showcased at Slamdance, few will be as memorable as Project Dad. This compelling short follows Camilla and her father, a man who has dedicated himself to teaching other men how to pick up women on Tinder. As an artist and feminist, Camilla plays a fascinating dual role—she deeply cherishes her father but remains critical of the world he inhabits. The film offers a thought-provoking glimpse into generational perspectives on romance, persuasion, and modern dating culture, making for an intriguing and at times unsettling watch.

The irony at the heart of Project Dad is impossible to ignore—Camilla herself belongs to the exact demographic of women her father’s students are trying to attract. Their shared intellect and strong personalities seem to both connect and divide them, as Camilla seeks an identity independent of her father’s influence. The film doesn’t just examine one man’s methods for navigating modern dating—it highlights the broader, unspoken tensions between men and women in an evolving social landscape.

At a time when many women feel their voices are being silenced more than ever, documentaries like Project Dad offer a raw and in-your-face exploration of gender dynamics. While its subject matter is provocative, there’s an unexpected charm in the father-daughter relationship, which reflects something deeply human—our need for connection, even when ideologies clash. Ultimately, the film raises a crucial question: if fathers, brothers, and sons are often the greatest obstacles to women’s autonomy, what will it take for them to truly see the world from a feminine perspective?

Rating: 3/5