Knit's Island 2023
Distributed by Grasshopper Film, 12 East 32nd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016
Produced by Boris Garavini
Directed by Ekiem Barbier, Guilhem Causse, and Quentin L'Helgouac'h
Streaming, 96 mins
College - General Adult
Social psychology; Sociology; Virtual reality
Date Entered: 05/09/2025
Reviewed by Stephanie A. Diaz, Assistant Director for Library Engagement & Enrichment, Grasselli Library & Breen Learning Center, John Carroll UniversityKnit’s Island is a fascinating, genre-bending film that explores video game subculture in the multi-player, survivalist game, DayZ. The feature length documentary is shot completely inside the game and follows a team of filmmakers as they encounter players and prompt them to reflect on their experiences, behavior, and identity in and outside of the game.
The players assume a wide variety of roles from one extreme of human behavior to another. Inside DayZ the players, many of which have played for years, commit violent acts, plant gardens, dance at raves, go on hikes, and form real bonds with one another. The filmmakers ask them to consider what the game means to them and how they differentiate it from their everyday lives. For most, the game offers an escape and allows them to experiment with behavior and identities they would not otherwise do or take on.
The film is highly creative and includes many beautiful, albeit digital, cinematic shots. This film is highly recommended for those interested in exploring video game play and subcultures.Awards: 2023 Winner, Special Prize, Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival; Montreal International Film Festival, Best International Feature; Camden International Film Festival, Emerging Cinematic Vision Award
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