Overview
An eclectic collision of technology, music, film and design is set to hit Wellington. Originally scheduled for last November, the inaugural WLG-X will be held over five days in September (11-15) bringing together some of the world's most exciting innovators, from tech geeks to film gurus, aspiring musicians and serial entrepreneurs.
The festival lands courtesy of Terri van Schooten, an event organiser who has previously been involved with the Wellington Sevens. She says WLG-X was inspired by the annual South By South West (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, which "celebrates the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries." In a similar fashion, the program for WLG-X allows attendees to map out their own festival experience — one ticket allows entry into anything and everything.
The first WLG-EXCHANGE will include a lineup of international leaders in tech, music, film and design at pitching events and hack-a-thons; WLG-EXPO will feature the newest technology in an innovation showcase while offering opportunities at a jobs fair; WLG-EXPERIENCE will be the place for attendees to let their XLR cables unravel as the capital's best venues host film screenings, music showcases, food experiences and after-hours parties.
Speakers already announced include pioneer of virtual, augmented and mixed reality, Nonny de la Peña; digital animation producer and film industry maverick, Jack Liang; former NASA engineer Mark D. Moore, who is leading Uber's charge with short-range ridesharing aircraft; and Liz Manashil, a film director whose debut feature Bread and Butter was called "an absolute must-watch for women everywhere."
Elsewhere, Rhythm and Vines founder Hamish Pinkham is pulling together a lineup of performers and experts for the festival's music thread. Global Film's Bryan Glick will curate the festival's film program.
WLG-X will take over Taranaki Wharf and select Wellington venues from 11-15 September, 2019. Tickets start at $799 for a full pass. For more information, visit wlg-x.com.