Exclusive Clip Details NFT Documentary from Tribeca, Minted
NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are a complicated field, especially because it’s constantly evolving in sociopolitical and technological ways. For some, they are art; for others, they are pyramid scheme scams stained by insider trading and fraud. Either way, they’re a uniquel 21st century medium, and problem.
In the timely new documentary Minted, director Nicholas Bruckman masterfully delves into the intricate and often perplexing world of the $40 billion NFT digital art sphere. Through an amalgam of intimate interviews, fly-on-the-wall footage, and surprising archival footage, Bruckman weaves together the multifaceted story of this groundbreaking (and possibly problematic) phenomenon.
The film introduces us to a rich tapestry of artists who have found success in this new artistic landscape, such as Beeple, the creator of the record-breaking $69 million dollar NFT artwork. Say what you will about NFTs, but they’ve resulted in a strange and fascinating historical moment. You can check out an exclusive clip and the synopsis below.
Minted Meditates on NFTs
The synopsis for the film reads as follows:
Minted spans the entire arc of the NFT craze, from its explosive beginnings in 2021 to its dramatic crash in 2022. Bruckman doesn’t shy away from presenting the critical voices within the NFT conversation and gives ample screen time to critics who question the long-term viability, environmental impact, and social implications of NFTs.
It’s a fascinating exploration of the perils and possibilities of this volatile and vibrant world, offering insights into the very essence of human creativity, the value of art, and the transformative power of technology.
Following its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, there will be an in-person Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 9:15 PM at Village East Cinema. Filmmaker Nicholas Bruckman sought to be objective and informative without being overtly political or making any value judgments within the documentary, as he explains in this interview from the press notes:
“We wanted to avoid didacticism and challenge assumptions and preconceived notions about this world, so we endeavored to make sure everyone in the film had credibility and engaged with the subject matter accurately, while also being able to express such a complex world in a relatable way on camera.”
“As time went on, the public controversies around NFTs intensified, we felt it was important to take audiences “beyond the headlines” and into a deeper exploration of how the story was unfolding in real time from the artist’s perspectives. We wanted to show how artists persevere in their craft and creation through the ups and downs of the market and public opinion, and show the resiliency and adaptivity in their self-expression, regardless of what tools they are using.”
This self-expression has, of course, resulted in some backlash. Like cryptocurrency, there is a growing suspicion and anger over the medium of NFTs and blockchains, but Bruckman thinks they reflect the timeless human story of adapting and evolving along new technologies and markets. “I believe that NFTs and blockchain represent a powerful tool for artists with incredible potential and implications for the future, and like any technology, are fraught with risks and perils that can be mitigated from increased public understanding,” said Bruckman in a director’s statement. He continued:
As public sentiment around NFTs has shifted over the last two years, my hope is the film will surprise audiences and cause them to view this world in a new and unexpected light. At a higher level, I hope audiences will come in, perhaps to learn about NFTs, and ultimately discover a human story about the healing power of self-expression.
