Film Screening: “Predictable But Fun”
June 18, 2009
The Interaction Design Department cordially invites you to the free screening of “Predictable But Fun,” a film investigating love, marriage, and longevity with a partner, through the lens of our technology-embedded culture. A Q&A with the director, Grace Shulner, follows the screening.
About the Film
The story is told by wedding-gown designers out of Israel and Palestine. Their backgrounds, lives, and art all differ notably, yet in their work, they find themselves having very similar conversations with their respective brides about hopes, dreams, buying that perfect dress and finding “The One.”
As the Internet changes the way we understand intimacy, computer-mediated relationships are becoming a standard. We are all part of this new digital lifestyle, though some of us are more entrenched in technology than others. Each of the wedding-gown designers showcased in the movie uses technology (web, cell phones, instant messengers, twitter) as part of an always-connected way-of-life. Some are married, some single, some divorced, but in their professional lives all are submerged in the universe of weddings and relationships. Each observes this world from her own unique perspective.
Ostensibly a comedy, the movie explores many issues including: the role of technology in our lives, stability with one partner, whether technology enhances our love life, how digital platforms are used in our daily communication, the importance of knowing one’s self, online-fantasy versus offline-reality, growing into adulthood, and the overriding theme of the pursuit of happiness.
About the Director
Grace Shulner is a technologist and filmmaker, exploring the relationships between people and machines. At MIT Media Lab her work as a student focused on the online-offline dialog, participatory democracy, social media, and online usability.
Details
Thursday, July 2
6:00-7:30PM
Interaction Design Department
132 W 21 Street
Between 6th and 7th Avenues
(View Map)
