“We’re here to celebrate the art of Malcolm McCormick.” 

On January 15, Warner Music welcomed us to the Royal Theatre in Toronto’s Little Italy, for an advance screening of Balloonerism: A Film Based on the Album by Mac Miller. The short film was directed by Samuel Jerome Mason as a companion to Mac’s latest posthumous album release. Balloonerism has existed as online leaks for years, but has now been given a proper release by Mac’s estate, who wanted to present an official version to the world. Film screenings were announced in select cities around the world, selling out instantly, with proceeds benefitting the Mac Miller fund.

Braving the winter cold was well worth it, even to just see Mac’s name lit up on a venue marquee again. Fans decked out in Mac merch packed the sold out theatre to watch the short film inspired by the late rapper. After a heartfelt introduction, the lights dimmed and the crowd cheered as we got our first glimpses into the world of Balloonerism. The beautifully animated film follows a group of school friends as they traverse through a trippy fantasy underworld, with a balance of humour and darkness echoing the album’s lyrics perfectly

Posthumous releases can often feel like a cash grab, eager to exploit fan desire, but Mac’s releases have felt authentic and orchestrated with genuine care.  His estate released Circles in 2020, an album that served as an incredible bookend to his discography and sonic evolution. Now, we’ve been given the opportunity to jump back in time with Balloonerism, an album Mac actually completed back in 2014 around the same time as his classic mixtape Faces. 

Stream the album now, or watch Balloonerism: A Film Based on the Album by Mac Miller on Prime Video.

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