Blog posting written by Kaley Belval, Documentary Studies and Production '15, FLEFF Intern, Woodbury, CT

Most people think of utopias as these grand, beautiful places where everyone is filled with happiness and bliss. Other than maybe a vacation to Hawaii or some other island with clear blue waters, white sands, and palm trees, that does not seem very attainable. 

In New York City this past summer, there was a microtopia on Governor's Island as a project for the Figment NYC 2011 Festival. It was a small area created for children and the community, created by those who lived nearby. From May until September, it provided a place for the community to gather, learn, and have fun. 

This is the type of impact that I believe FLEFF will have on the Ithaca community, and on everyone who attends the festival. 

My idea of a microtopia is a place that is small, intimate, and a personal haven amidst the stress of everyday life. Personally, I found that when I went to Block Island last summer. Without much television, internet, or entertainment, the things that I normally did to keep myself occupied became extremely limited. Because of the lack of constant intellectual and visual stimulation, I actually began to lose track of time, read books, and spend quality time with the people I love-all without the interruption of technology. 

The point of microtopias, I believe, is to give everyone their own personal place to relax and find themselves. Each one is different, and specific to each individual, but it can do a lot. So what does your microtopia do for you? I would love to hear about it.