True/False Films

We Live in Public

In person: director Ondi Timoner

At the dawn of the dotcom age, Josh Harris cashed in on his early knowledge in the Web. He then resurfaced as a well-heeled artist with a flair for social engineering experiments. His most intriguing one, "Quiet: We Live in Public," at the time seemed a proto-apocalyptic lead-up to Y2K, an Orwellian commune in which 100 human specimens lived in a New York City basement under 24-7 surveillance. Timoner, whose earlier film Dig explored other difficult artists, was in that basement herself, giving this footage more footing. Later, Harris and his girlfriend streamed their private lives online. This fascinating material is spiked with deep resonance during an era where social networking sites, omnipresent cameras and fast connections have left many swimming in privacy-free zones. Featuring plenty of loud rock 'n' roll, the splashy We Live in Public carries urgent warnings about the near future, as reflected in a little-known story from our recent past. Note: This film contains adult content and is not recommended for children. (PS)