The city of Denver will mark a significant milestone as the Digerati Experimental Media Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary. Running from September 9 to 21, 2023, this year’s festival promises an expansive lineup of events across multiple venues, reflecting the evolution of technology-driven art in the area.
Initially launched as a modest two-day event showcasing brief animated works on large LED screens at the Colorado Convention Center, the festival has grown into a multifaceted celebration of digital creativity. This year’s theme, “Obscura,” is indicative of the festival’s continuous evolution and its commitment to presenting innovative media art. The festival will take place at notable locations, including the Denver Art Museum and the Sie FilmCenter, offering attendees a diverse program that encompasses short films, a full-length feature, and live performances.
The festival’s programming remains true to its roots, featuring outdoor projections on downtown LED screens and the iconic Daniels & Fisher Tower. The curated selection includes newly commissioned pieces, ensuring that much of the artwork is accessible to the public, both physically and intellectually, although some may find the themes challenging.
To gain further insight into the festival’s vision, Sharifa Lafon, executive director of Denver Digerati, shared her thoughts on the festival’s mission. “We define ‘experimental media’ as art that pushes technology in unexpected directions through experimentation,” Lafon explained. This definition encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, including animation, video, projection, and sound.
Lafon emphasized the festival’s inclusive approach, stating, “If you’re curious, come. If you’re unsure, come anyway.” The audience typically consists of artists, academics, and enthusiasts of arthouse films. The films presented at the festival require active engagement, encouraging viewers to form their own interpretations rather than being guided toward a single understanding.
One highlighted piece this year is “Aferrado”, directed by Esteban Azuela. This film explores themes of masculinity and cultural violence, utilizing low-cost digital tools and experimental techniques that challenge conventional filmmaking norms. Lafon explained that such works illustrate how imperfections can enhance storytelling by subverting the polished aesthetics often found in mainstream cinema.
The festival offers a variety of experiences, including a documentary film titled “Void in Resonance” by Jerónimo Reyes-Retana, which will be screened at the Denver Art Museum. This diverse program also includes a playful selection of animated shorts, showcasing the range of artistic expression within the realm of experimental media.
This year’s festival categorizes its offerings into three main segments: short digital works, a feature film, and a live performance night. The short films, ranging from 90 seconds to 30 minutes, underwent a rigorous selection process. Out of over 2,400 submissions, a curatorial team, including Lafon, carefully chose 42 films that resonate with contemporary themes while ensuring a balance between exciting new projects and local connections.
The feature film, “Eastern Anthems,” is described as a cinematic correspondence created during the emergence of Brood X cicadas. This poetic film intertwines friendship, failure, and reflections on nature, promising to leave a lasting impression on viewers. Filmmaker Jean-Jacques Martinod will also participate in a Q&A session, allowing for deeper engagement with the audience.
The live performance night at the Digital Armory offers a unique atmosphere where projection lighting creates an immersive experience. This event showcases artists who adopt an intellectual approach to their work, inviting attendees to engage in a more relaxed, club-like environment compared to traditional art galleries.
In addition to indoor screenings, the festival will feature large-scale outdoor projections on the Daniels & Fisher Tower and other downtown LED screens. Artists like the Mexico City collective TUTU and local glitch artist Perfect Loop will present their works, utilizing humor and scale to engage passersby in a spontaneous encounter with digital art.
Lafon encourages attendees to take advantage of the outdoor screenings, suggesting a self-guided walking tour of downtown. Maps will be available on the festival’s website, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace while enjoying the vibrant energy of the local community.
The festival’s mission extends to demystifying experimental media and fostering a deeper understanding among audiences. This year, the festival includes a documentary screening featuring local artists Elle Hong and Phillip David Stearns. These short films aim to connect personal narratives with the broader landscape of experimental art, providing an accessible entry point for those new to the genre.
The Digerati Experimental Media Festival runs from September 9 to 21, 2023, at the Denver Art Museum and other venues. For more information and ticket details, visit denverdigerati.org.