This video is a trailer for Netflix’s 2018 documentary film, “FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened.” The film explores the failed Fyre music festival of 2017 and how its founders led thousands to an under-planned music event in the Bahamas. Throughout the trailer, we are presented with a mix of media from before and after the event. These examples, from testimonials to television interviews, help viewers understand the false marketing that led to the event’s downfall, and ultimately, the arrests of its founders.

discussion

How was the Fyre Festival sold through its marketing? How did this compare to its reality?

Who does the trailer seem to give the most blame for Fyre’s failure? Do you think this is reasonable? Why or why not? 

 What factors do you think caused so many people to buy into it? Do you think it is important to tell the story of how people fell for this elaborate scheme?

One clip from the trailer features American comedian Ron Funches claiming the event’s failure was “Darwinism at its finest.” This joke references scientist Charles Darwin’s “survival of the fittest.” What do you think Funches is saying about those who attended the Fyre festival?

Have you ever felt duped by marketing for a product or by an influencer promoting something that doesn’t live up to the hype?