The Official DEF CON Documentary: 20 Years of Hacker Culture
Filmmaker Jason Scott directs the official feature-length documentary chronicling the history, attendees, goons, and unique cultural ethos of DEF CON across its first 20 years.
Summary
Historical Origins and Community Ethos
Filmed with unprecedented full access during DEF CON 20 in Las Vegas, director Jason Scott chronicles the evolution of the world's largest hacker conference from a 100-person farewell party in 1993 into a global cultural institution.
Inside the Four Days of DEF CON
The documentary captures the kinetic energy and subterranean culture across the convention floor, exploring capture-the-flag competitions, lockpicking villages, hardware badge assembly, and live research disclosures.
The People Behind the Lore
Through candid interviews with founder Jeff Moss (The Dark Tangent), volunteer goons, long-time attendees, and federal observers, the film documents the human stories, mischief, and mutual respect holding the diverse hacker community together.
Legacy and Independence
The film explores why DEF CON maintains strict operational independence, preserving an authentic hacker gathering defined by curiosity, freedom of inquiry, and communal self-governance.
Related talks
Main Stage·25 min
Jason Scott
Filmmaker Jason Scott previews work-in-progress footage and shares behind-the-scenes stories from the upcoming DEF CON 20th anniversary documentary.
Documentary·19 min
Jason Scott
A sneak peek into the official DEF CON 20 documentary, featuring previews of the conference's 20-year history and cultural evolution.
Village Interviews·26 min
The Dark Tangent · Kari · Silk
An extended conversation with conference founder The Dark Tangent, reflecting on the evolution of DEF CON, hacker ethos, and the wider security community.