NEWS: MILAN MACHINIMA FESTIVAL MMXXII NOW LIVE

The MILAN MACHINIMA FESTIVAL MMXXII returns with a hybrid format —both online and in situ screenings — after a long disruption in the face of an unprecedented global crisis. The festival program is now online: 25 works of machinima and game video created by 21 artists representing 9 countries are featured in two distinct sections — EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE (March 26 2022, IRL) and FOR EVERYTHING TO STAY THE SAME (March 21-27 2022, online) — for a total of 11 programs.

Below is a breakdown of all the features:

EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE (Museum of Interactive Cinema, Milan, March 26 2022): MACHINEMA (MACHINE CINEMA), BRAND NEW YOU ARE RETRO, and MADE IN ITALY

FOR EVERYTHING TO STAY THE SAME (March 21-27 2022, online): THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE AI, BAD TALES, SONG TO SONG, GAME VIDEO ESSAY, IDENTITIES/INTIMACIES, HISTORIES/HERSTORIES, NO DRAMA, PLEASE, and GAME OVER PRESENTS: THIS IS NOT A GAME.

This year we’ll be unlocking the various features gradually, like levels of a video game. The online section comprises seven back-to-back features and one special screening.

The first two — THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE AI — featuring works by Phil Rice (US) and Beatrice Carpina (IT) — and SONG TO SONG - featuring machinima by Paolo Santagostino (IT) and Lorenzo Antei (IT) are now available. Enjoy!

INTRODUCING VRAL

We are happy to announce VRAL, a uniquely curated game video experience, available for free on the MILAN MACHINIMA FESTIVAL website.

VRAL offers screenings of machinima created by artists and filmmakers whose work lies at the intersection of video art, cinema, gaming, and other visual practices. 

The program features exceptional machinima selected based on their cultural relevance, artistic achievement, and innovative style. Often presented only in the context of festivals, exhibitions, and surveys, these works best represent the variety, ingenuity, and creativity of game-based video practices.

A space providing access to diverse and innovative voices, VRAL is an online-only supplement to the MILAN MACHINIMA FESTIVAL. Throughout the year, VRAL celebrates a new generation of digital filmmakers and artists engaging with video game-based technologies, aesthetics, and practices. 

The project comprises exclusive interviews, image galleries, and an archive. 

VRAL is curated by Matteo Bittanti and an alumni of the Master of Arts in Game Design, Gemma Fantacci. Design by Colleen Flaherty.

VRAL begins April 25 2020 with the world premiere of Rapid Transit: Premiere by Victor Morales.

SCREENING SHOTS: LES RICHES DOUANIERS (MAY 25, 2016)

A few screenshots from Les Riches Douaniers' The Lonely Migrant (2011), which was screened on May 25 2016 in the NEW DIRECTIONS program at IULM.

SCREENING SHOTS: ASHLEY BLACKMAN (MAY 25 2016)

A few screenshots from Ashley Blackman's Clouds (2016), which was screened on May 25, 2016 in the NEW DIRECTIONS program at IULM. 

SCREENING SHOTS: BRENT WATANABE'S SAN ANDREAS DEER CAM (MAY 25, 2016)

A few shots from Brent Watanabe's San Andreas Deer Cam, featured in the NEW DIRECTIONS screening on May 25, 2016.