Nowadays, the most compelling stories play out across a whole host of platforms. Think back on Amanda Bynes' epic meltdown. It wouldn't have been half as interesting if it hadn't unfolded on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook (you know you wish you could work out like her) and everywhere else imaginable.
And that's the thinking behind Miami's own innovative Filmgate Interactive Film Festival. Now in its second year, this eclectic exhibition is all about co-creation, audience immersion and cross-platform storytelling like you've never seen it before.
See also:Filmgate: Interactive Film Festival Brings Rock Gods, Digital Media Gurus, and Co-Creation to Miami
"It's all really, really cool stuff," says Filmgate Executive Director Diliana Alexander. "Some of the projects have theater, music, dance or tech so it's across all fields which is essentially the meaning of transmedia."
And when she says all fields, she's serious. From dance to tech to social media to video to poetry, this festival runs the spectrum of creative endeavors.
The impressive lineup of events includes a cult immersion experience dubbed The Lost Children; a story hack workshop for filmmakers; a local short contest focused on our favorite pastime (ranting about Miami); a fascinating, twisted version of a quinceañera by performer-choreographer-producer Octavio Campos; a tech playground; a Wynwood film walk and lots of other interactive awesomeness.
They'll also have a series of classic movie death scenes paired with themed edibles, Alexander says. Think The Titanic, paired with something icy, or My Girl, paired with a honey dish. That event, dubbed Romantic Endings, is part of a trifecta of CNTL/ALT/DANCE Transmedia Dance Performances curated by Pioneer Winter.
While some showings are repeated, no two events will be alike, Alexander says. With the Lost Children experience, for example, the ending will be different depending on who in the audience decides to join the cult.
"It becomes so real, it becomes three-dimensional and very realistic and depending on how audience chooses the film goes into different directions."
You can check out the full list of events on their website.
The offerings have expanded since last year, thanks in part to the Knight Foundation, who awarded Filmgate $100,000. They're also in more venues -- nine in total including the Rubell Collection, The Freehand Miami, LAB Miami, O Cinema and Miami Beach Cinematheque among others.
The festival was founded on the premise that no one wants to sit still and consume entertainment anymore. That's so 2001.
"It started with us realizing that cross platform storytelling is the future of storytelling because our generation, and younger generations especially, what they look for is to be heard and published -- not just to be a passive observer," Alexander says.
She hopes the event builds on last year's success, and if the wild lineup is any indication, it's likely.
"People were so excited to be a part of. It's interesting to not just be a passive observer but to be active and co-create with the creator. You come home with an amazing experience -- not just something you've already experienced before."
You can check out more details about Filmgate on their website. The festival runs from February 1 - 5 at various venues throughout the city. Prices vary for the different events, and some are free.
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