thefabgen · b.1988–1997
Voices of '88–'97
A generation that grew up analog and came of age digital. A generation now shaping what comes next. Dear World is a documentary, a book, and a living archive of their voices.
"World, our spoken languages may be different, but we speak the same code."Kehinde Ogundare, b.1993 · Nigeria
"To exist in this world is the greatest privilege of all."Riam Kim Calesterio, b.1997 · Philippines
"You gave me to breathe the breath of lungs that were not my own. And in that moment, I realized the unity of all."Sanja Stankov, b.1989 · Serbia
The Fabulous Generation
Born between 1988 and 1997, The Fabulous Generation occupies a rare seam in history. They held paper maps and built the digital world. They are scientists, artists, activists, and builders now shaping the future across every discipline.
Their stories have never been told together, in full, in their own voices. Until now.
The Work
A feature documentary weaving prominent voices of The Fabulous Generation into a single, layered portrait of a generation. A companion book gathering 100 personal letters from Fabs around the world.
Together, they form something rare: a real-time humanities archive, captured while the story is still unfolding.
About the Project
Dear World is two things: a beautiful documentary and a global book of letters, both giving voice to people born between 1988 and 1997.
The Documentary
This is a character-driven, globally interwoven documentary about The Fabulous Generation. They are the last generation to remember life before the internet, and among the first to construct identity, community, and meaning within it.
The film features prominent voices across disciplines: science, technology, the arts, activism, science, and more. The documentary follows a constellation of stories that intersect through shared human themes.
The film blends intimate interviews, observational footage, personal video diaries, archival material, and poetic visual sequences. A narrative thread follows a single character's story, woven delicately throughout. The tone is reflective, human-centered, and emotionally grounded.
The Book
The book is a gathering of 100 voices from around the world, each one writing directly to the world itself. They are personal letters, written with openness, honesty, and a willingness to be seen.
Contributors span the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, India, America, Colombia, Serbia, Indonesia, and beyond. Their letters speak of beginnings and belonging, war and endurance, grief and tenderness, technology and roots, voice and dignity. Each one is different. Yet they are resonant and deeply human.
The pages are designed to leave space around the words, as if inviting you to sit with them. This book is as much about your voice as it is about theirs. Because the world is something we continue to write with every choice, refusal, act of courage, and offering of love.
The book is organized into thematic parts and offers a curated journey rather than a simple collection. Each personal reflection carries its own pulse. It's beautiful and touches the depths of humanity.
Project Leadership
The Dear World documentary is led by two collaborators whose work spans creative direction, research, and award-recognized documentary production.
Creative Director & Generational Researcher
AnneMarie built thefabgen into a multi-platform initiative with global contributors, completed 2 books with the Fabs, and a growing audience for them. Her work blends psychology, storytelling, and systems thinking to elevate authentic voices and translate lived experience into insight and impact.
Creative Producer
Jesse brings a track record of Emmy-nominated and streaming-acquired productions to the project. His portfolio spans documentary-style work on figures from Steph Curry to African American entrepreneurs to former NFL players, always centering the human condition with a commitment to giving back to the communities he features.
Join the Project
Dear World is looking for collaborators who believe in the power of honest storytelling.
We welcome filmmakers, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, researchers, writers, and creative thinkers. Reach out if you would like to get involved. We'd love to hear from you.
Resources
The documentary, the book, and the broader thefabgen archive are all available to explore, support, and share.
Documentary
The feature documentary. A character-driven portrait of The Fabulous Generation, told through voices across geographies and disciplines. Currently in production.
Learn About the FilmBook
100 personal letters written to the world itself, from contributors across six continents. A companion volume to the documentary and a standalone work in its own right. Currently in the works.
Find the BookPlatform
The living archive where this project began. Over 11k followers and growing. Interviews, stories, short clips, original music, and other beautiful content from The Fabulous Generation.
Check out our videosFoundation
The nonprofit home of Dear World. Supporting the creation and distribution of work that brings human stories to life with honesty and care. Accepting donations and grant inquiries.
Visit the FoundationCommunity
Meet Fabs from around the world, read about their unique experiences, and stay connected to the latest developments across the Dear World series and thefabgen project.
Follow UsCollaborate
Dear World, as well as thefabgen, welcomes collaboration from writers, filmmakers, cinematographers, researchers, editors, sound designers, and storytellers. Student collaborators are especially encouraged.
Reach OutContact
Whether you're interested in the documentary, the book, collaboration, or supporting the project, we'd love to hear from you.
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