“The Utopian” – Film/Art Activation in Brooklyn
“The Utopian” follows artist Joaquín Fargas on a quixotic quest of poetic protest, involving quirky inventions that belie a serious message: We need to stop destroying our vital natural resources, before it’s too late.
The documentary (currently in production) takes in performative installations on stunning Antarctic islands and Bolivian salt flats, where vibrant ecosystems have been ravaged by mining in the manic global lithium rush – fueled by surging demand for electric vehicles. Technological progress is driving growth and development, but does it have to be a Faustian pact which damages our planet beyond repair?
Following the world premiere of our spin-off short film, “Project Utopia,” at DOC NYC, we invite you to help kick off the next phase of our project with an evening of cinema, art, music and community – hosted by our friends at BioBAT in collaboration with the International Wow Company, Storydeep, El Mano Films, Stunning Catz and Kornhaber Brown.
Co-director Frederick Bernas (on sax/electronics) will create a live AV performance remixing material from the documentary in real time – alongside Joaquín and a cinemusical crew featuring Atsunobu Takemoto (visuals), Ben Bourque (trombone/guitar), Thiago Trad (percussion) and Cha Feliz (guitar).
After a screening of the short and a conversation moderated by BioBAT curators Elena Soterakis and Douglas Chapman, join the artists for a drink and explore pop-up exhibits – with musical selections from Amer I'm Here and Fernanda Steinmann.
17:30 Doors open
18:30 Performance + screening
19:15 Artist conversation
20:00 Music and drinks
22:00 Event close
Light refreshments and snacks will be served; the International Wow Company operates a BYOB policy for all guests.