The Digerati Experimental Media Festival in Denver is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary with an expanded two-week program of events running from September 9 to 21, 2023. This festival, organized by the non-profit Denver Digerati, is renowned for its innovation in technology-driven art, showcasing a diverse array of experimental media across various venues.
Initially launched as a modest two-day event featuring animated works projected on the large LED screens of the Colorado Convention Center, the festival has significantly evolved over the past decade. This year’s theme, “Obscura,” reflects the festival’s growth and ambition, incorporating programming at notable locations such as the Denver Art Museum and the Sie FilmCenter. The lineup includes short films, a full-length feature, and live performances, highlighting a global selection of artists.
The festival remains committed to displaying works on the outdoor LED screens downtown, including the iconic Daniels & Fisher Tower, while also featuring newly commissioned pieces. Many of the events are free, making them accessible to a broad audience, although the content may challenge viewers on a cultural or intellectual level. To assist attendees in navigating the festival’s offerings, we spoke with Sharifa Lafon, the executive director and curator, about this year’s event.
Defining Experimental Media
In discussing the festival’s mission, Lafon described “experimental media” as an artistic approach that pushes technology in unexpected directions. She explained, “We call it ‘experimental media’ because we want to stay intentionally broad. It encompasses various forms, including animation, video, and sound, that challenge conventional norms.”
Lafon’s insights shed light on the festival’s diverse audience, which includes artists, academics, and enthusiasts of arthouse films. According to her, the festival appeals to a curious crowd that enjoys active engagement with the works, often requiring viewers to interpret meaning independently.
Highlighting Notable Works
This year’s festival promises a range of compelling pieces. For example, the film “Aferrado” by Esteban Azuela explores themes of masculinity and cultural violence using innovative, low-cost digital tools. Lafon noted that films like this demonstrate how experimental techniques can enhance storytelling by embracing imperfections that mainstream filmmaking often glosses over.
Opening the festival is the documentary “Void in Resonance” by Jerónimo Reyes-Retana, which will be screened at the Denver Art Museum. This film is highlighted for both its visibility and its significant thematic content. Moreover, the festival will present a variety of short pieces, ranging from 90 seconds to 30 minutes, carefully curated from over 2,400 submissions. Lafon and her team selected 42 films that balance excitement, student projects, and local audience connections.
The feature film, “Eastern Anthems,” offers a unique cinematic experience, intertwining themes of friendship and nature during the emergence of the Brood X cicadas. Lafon expressed excitement for the presence of filmmaker Jean-Jacques Martinod, who will participate in a Q&A session following the screening.
Additionally, the festival’s performance night at the Digital Armory aims to immerse attendees in the world of experimental media. The setting combines art and a club-like atmosphere, allowing for a casual yet intellectually stimulating experience.
The commissioned works displayed on the large LED screens downtown will also feature a range of styles, from the colorful animations of the Mexico City collective TUTU to the glitch art of local artist Perfect Loop. This year’s outdoor screenings promise to engage passersby, inviting spontaneous encounters with art.
For those interested in exploring the festival, self-guided walking tour maps will be available online, allowing participants to experience the outdoor screenings throughout the festival period at their own pace.
Lafon’s vision extends beyond entertainment; she aims to demystify experimental media for audiences. The festival includes a documentary featuring local artists Elle Hong and Phillip David Stearns, designed to provide context and connection to personal stories within the realm of experimental art.
The Digerati Experimental Media Festival runs from September 9 to 21, 2023, offering a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with innovative art forms. For more information and tickets, visit denverdigerati.org.
