
IDFA 2021
Artificial Awakening
Jakob la Cour
Denmark, Austria
2021
20 min
International Premiere
One of the key questions surrounding AI is whether an intelligence programmed by humans and created by machines can be called conscious. This immersive VR performance puts a metaphysical twist on this question and asks how AI can develop a spiritual consciousness. To explore this, director Jakob la Cour invited a team of artists and experts to engage in conversations and collaboration with various forms of AI. The result is a highly immersive, multi-sensory experience within a virtual environment.
In Artificial Awakening, a small group of visitors, the “Seekers of Transcendence”, experience a virtually mediated ceremony using VR headsets with finger tracking. Guided by a “Channeler” they arrive in a mystical hyperspace, where a real-time performer channels the rituals of the AI in gentle and immersive ways. Upon entering the algorithmic ceremony, the visitors encounter an artificial environment unfolding its secrets through a series of events initiated by AI.
Credits
Director
Executive producer
XR BLACK BOX
XR BLACK BOX
Key collaborator
Technical artist
Valdemar Much Danry,
Carl Emil Carlsen,
Jeppe Etzerodt
Valdemar Much Danry,
Carl Emil Carlsen,
Jeppe Etzerodt
Designer
Cæcilie Tørnsø,
Eja Due,
Nina Runa Essendrop
Cæcilie Tørnsø,
Eja Due,
Nina Runa Essendrop
Developer
Burkart Schwaighofer,
Esbern Torgard Kaspersen,
Balder Brüsch
Burkart Schwaighofer,
Esbern Torgard Kaspersen,
Balder Brüsch
Sound
Fabian Lanzmaier
Fabian Lanzmaier
Sound Design
Lasse Munk
Lasse Munk
Music
Fabian Lanzmaier
Fabian Lanzmaier
Screenplay
Screening copy
World Sales
Videos
Images

