Animated Documentary ‘Endless Cookie’ Acquired by New Distribution Company Obscured Releasing

The acclaimed animated documentary “Endless Cookie,” a vibrant and often surreal exploration of family bonds and cultural heritage, has found a new home with Obscured Releasing, a recently launched distribution company. This acquisition grants Obscured Releasing U.S. distribution rights for the feature-length film, with plans for a theatrical release scheduled for December 5 this year, strategically timed for awards consideration. The film, directed by half-brothers Seth Scriver and Pete Scriver, delves into their contrasting upbringings and the complex tapestry of their lives.

Obscured Releasing: A New Player in Film Distribution

Obscured Releasing, co-founded by industry veterans RJ Millard and Bill Guentzler, positions itself as a filmmaker-focused distributor. The company aims to acquire theatrical, digital, and physical rights for a diverse range of narrative, documentary, and animated features across the United States and Canada. Its emergence marks a notable development in the distribution landscape, signaling a fresh approach to bringing compelling stories to audiences.

‘Endless Cookie’: A Festival Journey and Critical Acclaim

Before its acquisition by Obscured Releasing, “Endless Cookie” garnered significant attention on the international festival circuit. The animated documentary premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Its subsequent festival run saw it collect a series of notable awards, including the Golden Alexander at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival and the Contrechamp Jury Award at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. More recently, the film earned the Rogers Audience Award for Best Canadian Feature at the 2025 Hot Docs Festival, accompanied by a $50,000 prize. Further screenings are anticipated at the AFI and IDFA Festivals, with additional festival appearances expected to be announced soon.

The Creative Vision Behind the Film

Described by its creators as “an impressionistic and often surreal depiction of family, but it is also a documentary of the creative process,” “Endless Cookie” took eight years to bring to fruition. The film explores the lives of Seth and Pete Scriver through a series of “tangential fever dream” episodes. The narrative journeys from their childhood in Toronto’s Kensington Market to Pete’s current home in a remote Northern Manitoba First Nation community. The unique animation style has been noted for its “quirky, psychedelic” visuals and its resemblance to the works of “gonzo filmmakers like Mike Judge, John Kricfalusi and R. Crumb.”

The core of “Endless Cookie” lies in the conversations between the half-brothers, one Indigenous and one white, as they reminisce and explore their shared history. These discussions are often punctuated or redirected by other charismatic family members, including children and even pets, contributing to a rich, humorous, and sometimes chaotic narrative.

Filmmakers Seth and Pete Scriver

The film is a deeply personal project for directors Seth and Pete Scriver, who are half-brothers. Pete Scriver is a First Nations carver, poet, mechanic, and storyteller residing in Shamattawa. He was recently recognized with a Hero award nomination for rescuing a neighbor from a burning house. Seth Scriver, based in Toronto, is an artist, animator, and carpenter. He previously won the Best Canadian First Feature Award at TIFF in 2013 for his animated film “Asphalt Watches,” co-created with Shayne Ehman.

The collaboration on “Endless Cookie” allowed them to explore themes of family bonds, cultural heritage, identity, race, and Indigenous resistance to colonization. The filmmakers expressed their intentions for the project, with Seth aiming “to make something funny, beautiful, spiritual, political, complex, simple and true,” and Pete likening the experience to “discussions around the kitchen table with your family, going from one subject to another, so from politics, to Sasquatch, to trapping, or the seasons.”

Production and Thematic Depth

The production of “Endless Cookie” was a significant undertaking, spanning nearly a decade. Alongside directors Seth and Pete Scriver, the film was produced by Dan Bekerman, Alex Ordanis, Jason Ryle, and Chris Yurkovich. Executive producer credits go to Pete Scriver, Neil Mathieson, and Jordan Hart.

The film’s thematic depth extends beyond personal narratives, touching upon the long shadow of Canada’s First Nations policies and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. It offers a nuanced portrait of life, weaving together elements of humor, tragedy, and the absurd.

Conclusion

The acquisition of “Endless Cookie” by Obscured Releasing marks a significant step for this unique animated documentary, promising broader exposure for its intricate narrative and distinctive visual style. With its impressive festival history and a December 5 theatrical release planned, the film is poised to engage a wider audience with its profound and often whimsical exploration of family, identity, and the human experience.