In this visionary episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage talks with Ian Hinden—Las Vegas-born musician, game designer, and immersive storyteller—about redefining how music, gaming, and social commentary collide. Ian dives into the creation of his interactive music video and video game hybrid, "Would You Call Him a Bad Man?", which is set to premiere at Dances With Films.

He shares:

• How anime, alt-rock, and Red Hot Chili Peppers inspired his multimedia storytelling
• Why he designed a satirical game to spotlight coercion, abuse, and corporate hypocrisy
• The influence of streaming culture, indie game engines, and immersive fandom
• How fashion, music, gaming, and storytelling are converging into a single artistic universe
• What creators need to know about Web interactivity, TikTok reach, and indie gaming tools like Godot and Itch.io

From philosophical critiques to Easter eggs hidden in mini-games, Ian’s work challenges both industry norms and audience expectations. If you're interested in blending mediums, pushing boundaries, or making meaningful art that actually connects, this episode is for you.