Mischief, scandal, and theft at Walt Disney World is at the heart of Stolen Kingdom, a true-crime documentary by Joshua Bailey.
Directed by Bailey, in his feature debut, the film unpacks a bizarre and fascinating subculture of urban explorers, ultimately centering on the real-life disappearance of a beloved animatronic.
With a mix of firsthand accounts and archival intrigue, Stolen Kingdom introduces a cast of underground figures whose passion for Disney history blurs into something surreal and unsettling.
Stolen Kingdom made its world premiere at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, before screenings at the Slamdance Film Festival, and opening night selection at the Florida Film Festival. It will be released in theaters as part of a national roadshow, opening first in Los Angeles at the Laemmle North Hollywood theater on May 21. (see full schedule below).
Stolen Kingdom is a documentary that delves into the history of mischief, scandal and theft at Walt Disney World, ultimately leading to the theft of an animatronic valued at nearly half a million dollars. The film features key figures from the park’s underground community, each sharing their unique stories. As the narrative unfolds, early pranks and antics are shown to have inspired more recent crimes, culminating in a true crime mystery. What begins as a tale of friendship and passion ends with one lingering question: Who stole Buzzy?
Reflecting on the experience of bringing the film to audiences, Joshua Bailey said, “I feel like I’ve waited my whole life to make a film and put it out and play it for an audience. I don’t know how you can prepare for this honestly. You just have to go along for the ride. Let it happen.”
Watch the official trailer for Stolen Kingdom above.
Roadshow Schedule
(to-date)
all screenings to have in-person filmmaker q&as
May 21st / Los Angeles, California / Laemmle North Hollywood
May 22nd / Los Angeles, California / Brain Dead Studios
May 23rd / Palm Springs, California / Festival Theaters
May 24th / San Diego, California / Digital Gym Cinemas
May 25th / Santa Ana, California / The Frida Cinema
May 26th / Ojai, California / Ojai Playhouse
May 27th / Dennis, MA / Cape Cinema
May 28th / Catskill, New York / Community Theater
May 29th / Syracuse, New York / The Palace Theater
May 30th / Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey / Smodcastle Cinemas
May 31st / Somerville, Massachusetts / Somerville Theater
June 1st / New York City, New York / TBA
June 2nd / Davenport, Iowa / The Last Picture House
June 3rd / Chicago, Illinois / The Music Box Theater
June 4th / Minneapolis, Minnesota / The Heights
June 6th / Houston, Texas / TBA
June 7th / Austin, Texas / TBA
June 8th / Dallas, Texas / The Texas Theater
June 10th / Miami, Florida / O Cinemas
June 11th / Atlanta, Georgia / Tara Theater
June 12th / Franklin, Tennessee / Franklin Theater
June 13th / Tampa, Florida / Sun-Ray Cinemas
June 14th / Sarasota, Florida / TBA
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