Digital agency Isobar has partnered with director and producer Dominic Allen to create a ground-breaking virtual reality (VR) film celebrating the depth and diversity of Indigenous dance, music and song.

The world premiere of the 360° live-action documentary, Carriberrie, will be held tonight at the Australian Museum in Sydney.

Narrated by award-winning actor and dancer David Gulpilil, Carriberrie guides audiences across a stunning array of iconic Australian locations and performances, from the traditional to contemporary.

From ceremonial creation dances in the heart of the Central Desert, to honey gathering songs in the rainforest, bush-punk band The Lonely Boys performing in Alice Springs and Bangarra Dance Theatre at the Sydney Opera House, Carriberrie brings together art, technology and Indigenous performance in inspired new ways.

Dave Budge, director of Isobar’s Nowlab in Australia, said the agency was proud to be part of a project that brings Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander performance art to a bigger audience.

“Isobar is committed to Australian arts and culture, and Carriberrie offered a great avenue for us to use our digital expertise in an innovative forum, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary dance pieces for the first time in VR.

“Working with Dom, we’ve been able to truly capture the performances in context, showing the landscape and the country, as well as the dancers.

“For us, it’s also a great example of what can be done with VR. We believe in the power of VR for storytelling, for immersion and for giving a sense of presence and of place. This project helps show that in a beautiful way.”

Allen said: “The Australian Museum has been a great supporter of the project and I’m thrilled to present the world premiere of the work here, where I feel a kindred passion for exploring, understanding and helping to preserve First Nations cultures.”

Carriberrie – the Sydney language word for “corroboree” – will screen through March as part of Weave, the Australian Museum’s inaugural month-long festival of First Nations and Pacific cultures.

Carriberrie was created by Reddogs VR in partnership with Isobar, and global VR giant Jaunt.

The creative team included community cultural advisors Marilyn Miller, director of the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival and former Bangarra choreographer/dancer; and senior Kimberley Walmajarri woman Annette Kogolo.

The film’s script was written by Wiradjuri woman and acclaimed Indigenous author Tara June Winch.

CREDITS

Director and producer: Dominic Allen

Production partner: Red Dogs VR

Design and technical partner: Isobar

Visual effects and application development: Airbag

360 camera technology: Jaunt

Sound design: Viva Sound

Production support: Ape, Hase Media and Plot