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Almost Real: Connecting in a Wired World

2002 47 min
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This documentary presents a few individuals for whom the Internet has become a way to connect with like-minded souls in surprising ways: a cyber punk based on an anti-aircraft rig in the English Channel who operates a rogue Web server, a monk developing "wireless prayer technology," a "gamer" who re-creates himself in an online game, a retired couple living in an Internet-controlled seniors' complex and a divorcée who exchanges vows online with a man she's never met.

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Almost Real: Connecting in a Wired World

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This documentary presents a few individuals for whom the Internet has become a way to connect with like-minded souls in surprising ways: a cyber punk based on an anti-aircraft rig in the English Channel who operates a rogue Web server, a monk developing "wireless prayer technology," a "gamer" who re-creates himself in an online game, a retired couple living in an Internet-controlled seniors' complex and a divorcée who exchanges vows online with a man she's never met.

Media and Communication Technology Social Issues All subjects
  • director
    Ann Shin
  • producer
    Gerry Flahive
  • director of photography
    Michael Grippo
  • editor
    Sarah Bachinski
  • sound
    Steve McNamee
    Sanjay Mehta
    Paul Steffler
    John Blerot
    Scott M. Douglas
  • music composer
    Vincent Letellier
  • music performer
    Andréanne Alain
    Vincent Letellier
    Olu
    Jean-François Ouellet
    François Richard
  • additional photography
    David Battistella
    Sanjay Mehta
    Ann Shin
  • visual design
    David Battistella
  • sound design
    Steve Munro
    Timothy Mehlenbacher
  • sound edit
    Steve Munro
    Timothy Mehlenbacher
  • colourist
    Sean Evans
  • online editor
    Sean Evans
  • type design
    Martin Dolgener
  • compositing
    Martin Dolgener
  • re-recording mixer
    Serge Boivin
    Shelley Craig
  • research
    Lawrence Pinsky
    Ann Shin
  • production supervisor
    Kemp Archibald
  • assistant production supervisor
    Mark Wilson
  • program administrator
    Ida Di Fruscia
  • administrative assistant
    Joanne Forrest
  • production administrative assistant
    Lea Marin-Jara
  • executive producer
    Louise Lore
    Sylvia Sweeney

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Education

Ages 16 to 17
School subjects
Health/Personal Development - Healthy Relationships Technology Education - Society and Technology
Students can research the inception and development of the Internet and its impact on our lives. In what ways is the film already dated since its creation in 2002? Discuss the concept of community as it is explored in the film. Discussion topics: online gaming communities; isolation; Internet as a substitute for real relationships; surrender of privacy; impact on education. What are the downsides of virtual relationships?
Almost Real: Connecting in a Wired World
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