Picture Character
Ian Cheney and Martha Shane, Documentary, USA, 80 Minutes, English,
2019
The rapid rise
📈
of emoji (Japanese for “picture character”) is a global
🌍phenomenon
without precedent. Their widespread use and ability to convey
complex messages have not only cemented emoji’s place as an emerging
digital language
🗣,
but prompted difficult questions
🤔
about the creation of a language and digital communication’s fraught
ties
😣
to identity and inclusion.
In “Picture Character”, directors Martha Shane and Ian Cheney lead
viewers
👀
on a deep dive into the ever evolving world of picture characters,
from their humble beginnings in Japan to mobile keyboards
📱
the world
🌍
over, and shed fresh light
💡
on the private consortium
👥
that approves new emoji offerings and the individuals fighting
✊
to make the language more representative of its billions of users.
“Picture Character” had its World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival
in 2019. |