NFB launch interactive app “Where’s Monsieur Pug?”
Frima Studio and the National Film Board of Canada have announced the release of their new mobile geolocation game Where’s Monsieur Pug?, based on the short film by Janet Perlman. Combining geocaching with augmented reality, the game is available for free on the App Store and Google Play Store (iOS and Android) and sees its players tasked with hiding ‘spy pugs’ around town while searching for ones other players have hidden. The experience makes use of the players’ device cameras to incorporate interactive, virtual pug characters against a real-life background in the spirit of Pokémon Go.
As a member of a mysterious organization, your mission is simple: use your smartphone to track Monsieur Pug’s every move. Hire Pugs—double agents—and post them in various strategic locations across town. Is your target hiding behind the convenience store? In the mall? On the bridge? On the other side of town? Post your Pugs and keep your eyes peeled! Find Pugs hidden by other agents to rise within the organization and acquire the means to equip your pugs with fancy and adorable accessories, which will increase your chances of completing your main mission: finding Monsieur Pug!
The original short film, co-written by Canadian novelist and playwright Larry Tremblay, tells the story of “a paranoid, anxious dog who loves origami and ice cream, and who is convinced he’s the victim of a vast conspiracy”. The film can be presently viewed for free in the NFB.ca Screening Room in English and French. Learn more about filmmaker Janet Perlman and the original short film in our Lightbox mini-documentary below: