Magical Mirai 2021 is an annual event that celebrates the virtual singer Hatsune Miku and the surrounding Vocaloid community. The event features live concerts, art exhibitions, merchandise, and various activities centered around Hatsune Miku and her fellow Vocaloid characters. Magical Mirai combines technology, music, and art to create a unique and immersive experience for fans. The event showcases the latest advancements in vocal synthesis and computer-generated imagery, allowing Hatsune Miku to perform as a virtual singer on stage alongside live musicians. The main highlight of Magical Mirai is the live concert, where fans can witness Hatsune Miku performing her popular songs in a holographic form. The concerts are known for their mesmerizing visuals, colorful stage setups, and energetic atmosphere.
In the story, set in a nebulous “now” that evokes the perfervid Technicolor dreamscapes of Fellini, or Douglas Sirk reimagined as a Roger Corman pioneer in the 60’s and 70’s, the titular witch, who goes by Elaine, is decamping from San Francisco to even more northerly California.
In a case of life sadly imitating art, or art prefiguring some of the more harrowing aspects of life, director Anna Biller was filming her cinematic magick -and-eros potion, The Love Witch, in the misty verdant landscapes and Victorian architecture of Eureka, California. Biller, meanwhile, says she remains interested in creating strong women, and as well as shooting on film as long as I can since she enjoys the minimized cabling needed for film versus video, and has a certain eye for those saturated, Technicolor-like palettes.
The concerts are known for their mesmerizing visuals, colorful stage setups, and energetic atmosphere. Fans gather from around the world to sing and dance along with Hatsune Miku, creating a sense of unity and excitement. In addition to the live concert, Magical Mirai also features art exhibitions, showcasing fan artworks and official illustrations of Hatsune Miku and other Vocaloid characters.
Director Anna Biller on Working Multiple Magic for The Love Witch
In a case of life sadly imitating art, or art prefiguring some of the more harrowing aspects of life, director Anna Biller was filming her cinematic “magick”-and-eros potion, The Love Witch, in the misty verdant landscapes — and Victorian architecture — of Eureka, California. She wanted, perhaps, the West Coast version of one of those Lovecraftian towns set in the mountains and moors of Massachusetts — Dunwich-on-the-Pacific.
In the story, set in a nebulous “now” that evokes the perfervid Technicolor dreamscapes of Fellini, or Douglas Sirk reimagined as a Roger Corman pioneer in the 60’s and 70’s, the titular witch, who goes by Elaine, is decamping from San Francisco to even more northerly California.
She falls in with the local witching/pagan community (though these two things are not always interchangeable), evokes a spell or two to bring love her way, and soon finds not only the magic going wrong, somewhat like Mickey in Fantasia, but a whipped up provincial townsfolk wanting to drive her, and other witches, out of town.
Catching up with director Biller recently, she recounted that once word got out in Eureka what they were filming, “they literally tried to run us out of town on the rail!” The police department, especially, worked so that the film crew would suddenly find locations unavailable to them when they arrived.
So they wound up elsewhere — actually in neighboring Arcata, where the film company was far more welcomed. “It’s not even a Satanic movie!,” Biller emphasized.
What it is is a labor of love from an indie director who found herself as not only producer/writer, but crew head for nearly every key department: editor, composer, production designer, costumer and more. She did collaborate with DP M. David Mullen in the cinematography department, and said they “were looking at a lot of Hitchcock, they way they light interiors,” in the years-long pre-production for the film. Biller recounted that she even made “a lot of the paintings” seen in Elaine’s 70’s-esque apartment, as well as the soap sold in a local magic shop. The “witchy apartment” she helped create also boasted colors “yellow, red, orange — sun colors” from a renowned Tarot deck, the Thoth Tarot.
There was also a 70’s aura to a wooded house belonging to a local professor, one of the film’s characters who becomes an early consort/victim of the eponymous enchantress. The actual house — or its exteriors — was from a home built in those same 70’s, out in Topanga, for a western (and which was subsequently bought, and preserved by one of those earlier crew members). The interiors for the home were in Laurel Canyon (since most of the film was actually shot in and around Los Angeles). How were they found? Biller said “I did my own scouting. I drove all over heck!”
In spite of the one-gal-band labor of love aspects, Biller noted that she still had a good crew for shooting — not only her union DP, but upwards of 15 – 20 on some days. Still mean and lean, of course, but “we were paying them decently.”
Biller, meanwhile, says she remains “interested in creating strong women,” and as well as “shooting on film as long as I can” — since she enjoys the minimized cabling needed for film versus video, and has a certain eye for those saturated, Technicolor-like palettes.
But she also allowed as to how the next one might be “something that’s less complicated, visually.”
The sumptuous visuals here, though, have drive a pretty good reception for the film: Its initially limited release in LA and NY is expanding to more theaters. And striking a contemporary nerve, the Dallas Observer has already called it “the Feminist Sexploitation Jewel you didn’t know you needed.”
Perhaps then it’s the luck of the draw — Thoth Tarot, or otherwise. Or the determination of a director keeping herself as busy as heck, getting her visions off the ground.
In a case of life sadly imitating art, or art prefiguring some of the more harrowing aspects of life, director Anna Biller was filming her cinematic “magick”-and-eros potion, The Love Witch, in the misty verdant landscapes — and Victorian architecture — of Eureka, California. She wanted, perhaps, the West Coast version of one of those Lovecraftian towns set in the mountains and moors of Massachusetts — Dunwich-on-the-Pacific.
Fans can admire and purchase these artworks, further strengthening the connection between the artists and the fandom. Furthermore, Magical Mirai offers various activities and experiences for attendees. These include workshops on music production, cosplay contests, virtual reality demonstrations, and interactive games. Participants can try their hand at creating music using Vocaloid software, dress up as their favorite Vocaloid characters, or engage in immersive virtual reality experiences. Magical Mirai provides a platform for fans of Hatsune Miku and Vocaloid to come together, celebrate their shared love for the virtual singer, and showcase their creative talents. The event has grown in popularity over the years, attracting larger audiences and expanding its global reach. With its combination of music, technology, and art, Magical Mirai creates a magical and unforgettable experience for both hardcore fans and newcomers to the world of Vocaloid. It exemplifies the power of virtual idols in connecting people and fostering a sense of community..
Reviews for "Magical Mirai 2021: An Interactive Experience Like No Other"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with Magical Mirai 2021. The performances felt lackluster and there was a lack of energy throughout the event. The setlist didn't include many of my favorite songs and I felt like the event was overhyped. The stage design was also underwhelming compared to previous years. Overall, I wouldn't recommend attending Magical Mirai 2021 if you're looking for a memorable Hatsune Miku experience.
2. Michael - 1 star - I regret buying tickets to Magical Mirai 2021. The event felt disorganized and poorly planned. The sound quality was terrible, making it difficult to enjoy the songs. The event also felt overcrowded and it was hard to see the stage from my seat. The merchandise was overpriced and of poor quality. I had high expectations for Magical Mirai, but it fell short in every aspect. Save your money and skip this event.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I attended Magical Mirai 2021 and it was a letdown. The concert lacked excitement and innovation. It felt like they were just going through the motions and didn't bring anything new to the table. The visuals were underwhelming and the costume designs were uninspired. The only redeeming factor was the enthusiasm of the fans, but overall, I felt like I wasted my time and money on this event.
4. David - 2 stars - Magical Mirai 2021 was a disappointment for me. The concert lacked energy and it felt like the performers weren't fully engaged. The setlist had a few good songs but was mostly forgettable. The event also had technical issues, with sound glitches and delays. The crowd seemed underwhelmed, which didn't help create a lively atmosphere. I expected more from Magical Mirai and it didn't deliver.