Learn how the ‘God’ of counterfeiting printed over $250 million in fake currency.
Sundance Film Festival’s 2021 New Frontier showcase is currently in full swing, offering attendees a plethora of genre-defying entertainment available via a custom-built social platform composed of a virtual gallery, cinema house, and lounge area. The aforementioned gallery houses 14 immersive projects to check out, including the AR documentary short Fortune!
Available now via any up-to-date Android and iOS device, Fortune! tells the story of Frank Bourassa, widely-considered to be the greatest con man in history. Over the course of his career as a professional counterfeiter, Bourassa printed an estimated $250 million in fake bills, earning him the title of ‘God’ within the counterfeiting world. Fortune! shines a spotlight on Bourassa’s incredibly successful efforts, from his humble beginnings as an honest working man to his eventual metamorphosis into a ludicrously effective con man.
Atlas V did a wonderful job crafting a unique narrative that takes full advantage of AR technology to immerse you in Bourassa’s unbelievable story. Featuring narration by Bourassa himself, you’ll follow a tiny avatar version of the legendary con man as he reenacts the biggest moments of his counterfeiting career.
Watching Bourassa’s story play out on my coffee table was a pretty surreal experience. Using my smartphone, I was able to reposition myself throughout my real-world environment and experience the action from multiple angles and distances, offering plenty in the way of replayability. That being said, this is a painfully simple experience. No interactivity, no
“Money, from bills to coins, has no intrinsic value beyond what we’ve collectively agreed to grant it,” says the app’s description. “However, there’s no denying that money governs our lives. This series of animated documentary shorts in AR for smartphones, tablets and social media platforms, explores that relationship.”
Fortune! is brought to us by Marianne Lévy-Leblond (Arte), Rob McLaughlin, Dash Spielgeman, Rolito, Clement Chériot, in collaboration with Lead Artists Brett Gaylor, Nicolas Bourniquel, and Arnaud Colinart (Atlas V).
Those looking to experience this fascinating AR documentary short for themselves can pick up an Explorer’s Pass (just $25) via the Sundance website to access the entire New Frontier lineup.
The festival is running now through February 3rd.
Feature Image Credit: Atlas V
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