Netflix has released the trailer for their new documentary FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened. Directed by Chris Smith, the documentary details the high-end music festival that was planned to take place on the island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas in April of 2017.
The organizers of the festival, Billy McFarland and rapper Ja Rule, promoted the event as a luxury, one-of-a-kind experience. Snippets of the trailer show the promotional content that was used to advertise the festival: famous models lounging on the beach, blue waters occupied by yachts, and blaring music. The excitement surrounding the event eventually died once guests arrived and realized what they payed for. The trailer shows some of the dismal arrangements that the guests were met with, which included hurricane tents, muddy land, bread and cheese meals, and no music.
In an interview with ET, Smith says that the footage captured at the event and all the coverage surrounding it allowed the film to be made and make viewers feel as if they were at the event. Over 50 people were involved in the filming of the documentary, which included individuals such as the ones who worked for FYRE, the talent booking platform, contractors, and attendees. Smith states that the film allows viewers to see a significant “case of perception versus reality,” which reflects the modern age where people’s social media presence differs from true life.
See the documentary on Netflix January 18.