Xenophile Media is launching an online mystery adventure in tandem with the current broadcast of the TV Ontario documentary series Empire of the Word.
The four-part TV documentary series, produced by Toronto's Nomad Films, explores the history of the written word. As an online accompaniment, Toronto-based Xenophile Media has produced an interactive mystery game promoting freedom of expression through the written word.
Empire of the Word Online (www.eotwonline.ca) merges content from the television series with a new, exclusive online video mystery entitled Lekha’s Journey. The show is based on Alberto Manguel’s A History of Reading.
Show producers describe the show as a suspenseful mystery, which follows young Toronto author Lehka in her pursuit of a controversial ancient manuscript—a document that re-emerges over the centuries at the centre of struggles around freedom of expression with cataclysmic repercussions for those who attempt to stifle free speech.
Shot on location, around the world. this innovative interactive drama follows Lehka across the globe from Toronto to Alexandria, Berlin, Herculaneum, Istanbul, and London.
Lekha’s Journey engages in the history of censorship—from the Nazi book burnings in 1933—to present day controversies around freedom of speech. Interactive episodes merge into Flash games to transform viewers into players as they assist Lehka in her ‘round-the-world voyage to unlock the secrets hidden within the ancient manuscript. The experience also features interviews with dissident authors who have faced opposition throughout their careers. Among the participating authors are Nigerian born author Rogerson Ntor-Ue, Hungarian-born Anna Porter, Russell Smith, April Lindgren, Kate Pullinger and George Clarke to name a few.
“This project is unique,” said Xenophile co-president Patrick Crowe. “The thought-provoking techniques employed in our acclaimed cross-platform games in the past are here being redirected towards educating audiences about the critical importance of freedom of expression and thought.”
Episodes of the documentary are available online, following the broadcast, at tvo.org.
Founded by filmmakers Patrick Crowe and Thomas Wallner, Xenophile Media is a two-time Emmy award-winning production company, focused on innovative TV programs, interactive content and cross-platform story-telling.
Current projects include Flashpoint Training Day—an interactive extension of the CBS / CTV series, Sanctuary and Beyond (CTV, Syfy), The M.I. High Game (BBC), Inside Hana’s Suitcase (CBC), Rollbots Online, an interactive game world for kids (YTV), The Guantanamo Trap (feature documentary) and Love Letters to the Future – a social media site and ARG leading up to the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change.
For more information visit www.xenophile.ca.