PressPausePlay is a documentary about how the rapid rise and spread of technology has caused massive cultural shifts in art, most notably with music. Anyone, in particular those who are Millennials like me, will easily relate to this documentary as anyone with a Facebook can see this progressing all the time.

Focusing mostly on electronic music, the documentary shines light on the fact that today's technology has taken what used to be hours and hours of work to produce music, into easy-to-use software that is readily accessible for someone willing to torrent it and try their hand at making music (and don't forget the personal Facebook fan-page). While this convenience and accessibility seems great, what does this do to music? Moreover, how does this change the cultural approach to making and listening to artistic topics?

These questions are what PressPausePlay emphasizes and discusses, but does it answer these definitively? No. The pacing of PPP starts off by saying that because of technology, the entire cultural structure here has been completely and utterly changed. The majority of the documentary then switches back-and-forth between perspectives. Some experts/artists feel that everyone having such easy access to what used to take serious commitment is bad and cheapens art overall. Just as equally PPP shows that others feel this is a wonderful opportunity for humanity to progress. These opinions offer some interesting insights along the way of the documentary, like how concerts have gone from being about the music to being about the live, physical experience of the moment (something I've noticed recently as well).

In the end, like I said, PPP does not offer a definitive answer as to whether these things are good or bad. It is both frustrating and yet fascinating. Without spoiling too much, PPP ends on a good note that looks to the future with hope. Don't we always end up looking back at music with nostalgia anyway? Indeed, you will feel refreshed after watching PressPausePlay (especially if you are a Millennial).

So why did this not take 5-stars? Somewhere along the middle it felt to me some of the interviews were slow, a little irrelevant, and like the documentary was trying to take an objective stance on the big picture when the rest of it flatly contradicted this. Unfortunately, this segment was quite distracting for me.

However, don't let this stop you. My friend who watched this with me enjoyed it like I did, and we discussed it for quite a while after it was over. If you're looking for a fun, refreshing documentary that will actually illustrate in beautiful detail what you know is happening at this very moment, PressPausePlay is for you.

The film is very well paced and interesting. It greatly voices the advantages and the disadvantages of the new media revolution and its impact on art and culture. The film features great interviews of artists like Moby and also the critics of the revolution like Andrew Keen. I highy recommend it.

PressPausePlay is a beautifully shot documentary that explores the immense changes digital tools have brought to the artistic world. Seth Godin, Moby and Andrew Keen, as well as many more share their experiences both positive and negative. I loved seeing this film at SXSW and it's so exciting that it is available here!