October 21-22, 2016*
San Diego, CA and Tijuana, MX

The most powerful stories occur at points crackling with tension, such as international borders. The US-Mexico border area – the frontera – is both the world’s busiest border and a vibrant engine of international, intercultural and entrepreneurial growth, powered in part by women who, despite considerable personal risk, are forging their own futures.

On October 21-22, 2016, thought leaders, domain experts, students and storytellers will assemble in San Diego and Tijuana for Frontera: Women of the Wall, a world building summit from the USC World Building Institute, Pigeon Hole Productions, Cali Baja and the Buckminster Fuller Institute, to learn how such liminal areas anywhere in the world can thrive – and what we stand to lose in an all-too-possible isolationist future.

As with previous workshops in Berlin, Bogota and Los Angeles investigating migration and global climate change, participants will apply the narrative processes of world building to address real world problems. Using a blend of the world building process pioneered by World Building Institute director, award-winning film designer and USC professor Alex McDowell RDI with gameplay from design studio Pigeon Hole Productions, participants will imagine the Frontera in 2035. This collaborative process will inspire tangible, near-term action through humans’ love of story, with the event filmed and documented to bring our message to a generation of humanity on the move.

*NOTE: Science Of Fiction 2017: Spaceship Earth 2035 [Kids Edition] is gearing up to be a completely unique event. Because of the recent decision to invite all child and young adult (ages 6-18) participants, with a 2:1 ratio of additional domain experts, we have pushed the date of this 3-day festival until March 24-26 2017. During the fall semester over 100 kids and teachers will be involved in workshops and classes that will begin to narrate the future of the planet, investigating the ocean, climate, migratory populations and cities. Full details to follow!

Current support for Frontera includes: San Ysidro Chamber, Las Americas Premium Outlets, Union Co-Working, Explore That Store, Filmatic Festival, You & Yours Distillery, Circular Board.

How to Get Involved

Frontera: Women of the Wall is currently seeking partners of multiple types: corporate sponsors, creative collaborators, educational partners and media partners. To find out more, please email info@pigeonholeproductions.com, call 619-839- 9302, or visit worldbuilding.institute.