Vancouver | 2 Ways to Experience Circa 1948 this Fall

Created by Stan Douglas and the NFB’s Digital Studio, Circa 1948 is a slick film noir-inspired, historically-based immersive art project about post-war Vancouver. Originally pitched to the NFB as a film noir feature, Circa 1948 evolved into a non-linear work presented today in two main interactive formats: a 3D art app for iOS devices, and a projection-mapped installation.

The project, which invites audiences to poke around in and explore two Vancouver communities hustling their post-war hustle in the year 1948, unfolds between two historically-rich locales.

The first is a grand old hotel in Vancouver’s posh West Side, squatted by homeless war veterans. The second is Hogan’s Alley, a super shady and muddy lane down in the East End, rife with ethnic diversity, prostitutes, gamblers, and corrupt cops. Both are peopled by numerous ghosts, none of whom intend on remaining silent for very long…

Douglas, who lives in Vancouver, researched the project with maps and photos, which were digitally converted by the NFB into an explorable virtual world, using Autodesk Maya.

Those sad to have missed the launch of the Circa 1948 installation at Tribeca Film Festival’s Storyscapes in April 2014 will be thrilled to hear that the project is returning to its birthplace this Fall. Indeed, the installation will be on display not once, but twice in Vancouver in the coming weeks!

So if you’re in the 604, be sure not to miss these 2 opportunities to encounter Circa‘s expansive artistic universe outside the app.

1. Hidden Pasts, Digital Futures: A Festival of Immersive Arts

Circa 1948 will be part of the world premiere of Hidden Pasts, Digital Futures, an “immersive arts” festival launched in celebration for Simon Fraser University’s 50th anniversary.

When: September 18 – October 16. Tuesday – Friday 1-7 pm, Saturday – Sunday 1-5 pm.

Where: Westbank Woodward’s Atrium at Abbott and Cordova Street

Admission to the multi-site exhibit featuring five site-specific 3-dimensional worlds is free.

Check out the Facebook event

2. Doors Open Vancouver

Doors Open Vancouver is a 2-day event that invites the public to enjoy free, behind the scenes access to popular Vancouver buildings and learn about civic services while experiencing Vancouver’s architectural, design, engineering, civic and cultural heritage.

When: Saturday, October 3 at 10am – 5pm

Check out the Facebook event