From multi-million dollar JPEGs to plummeting valuations, the NFT phenomenon has been a wild ride. “Minted,” the latest documentary featured on PBS’s “Independent Lens,” aims to unpack the craze, examining both its meteoric rise and its spectacular fall.
The film provides an insider’s look at the digital art market’s transformation, offering a balanced perspective on the impact of NFTs, both positive and negative. Featuring interviews with artists at the forefront of the NFT explosion, including Beeple and Latasha Alcindor, “Minted” explores the motivations, the artistry, and the financial machinations that drove the $40 billion market.
While the NFT bubble may have burst, the documentary’s exploration of its impact feels timely. “Minted” doesn’t just recount the boom and bust cycle; it grapples with the larger questions surrounding art, value, and the future of digital ownership. It’s a topic ripe for exploration, and “Independent Lens,” with its reputation for thoughtful documentaries, provides a suitable platform.
“Minted” offers a clear-eyed assessment of the NFT landscape, neither wholeheartedly celebrating nor completely condemning the phenomenon. It’s a measured approach that makes the film all the more compelling. For those curious about the digital art revolution, its potential, and its pitfalls, “Minted” is certainly worth a watch.
“Minted” airs on PBS as part of “Independent Lens” on Monday, January 6, 2024, at 10:00 PM.
