Hypha
Virtual reality (VR) experience + installation
Project Description
Hypha is an immersive installation that simulates the growth of mycelial networks as a metaphor for ecological interdependence, highlighting the bioremediation power of fungi.
Through virtual reality (VR), participants embody a fungus and experience its full life cycle, moving through its different stages: spore, mycelium, fruiting body, and spore once again.
This work invites a sensory reflection on the intelligence of natural systems, the invisible networks that sustain life, and the possibilities of imagining more collaborative and sustainable ways of being.
In this project I led the creative direction, co-wrote the script, and managed the overall production of Hypha VR, taking care of both the artistic and narrative vision of the project. My role included overseeing the creative development from concept to final prototype, designing the VR experience, and integrating storytelling, visual design, and interaction mechanics into a cohesive, immersive journey. I coordinated a multidisciplinary team and ensured alignment between the scientific inspiration and the emotional impact of the work.
Project Info
- Role: Creative director, Project Manager, Script Co-writer, VR designer.
- Technologies: Unity, SteamVR, HTC VIVE
- Date: 2020
Credits
- A Nanai Studio & Museo del Hongo production
- Director: Natalia Cabrera
- Co-screenwriter: Juan Ferrer, Natalia Cabrera
- Executive Producer: Selva González
- Production Manager: Juan Ferrer
- Art Director, Art Integration, VFX: Javier Garay
- VR Developer: Pao G. Olea
- Graphic Designer: Rosario Ureta
- Sound Designer: Diego Aguilar
- Music Composer: Daniel Marabolí
- Voice Actress: Trinidad Piriz
- Installation Design: Nicolás Oyarce
- Bioplastic Designer: Margarita Talep
- Rug Designer: A.H.N.W.
Gallery
Watch the Project
Official Selections & Exhibitions
- World Premiere at Sundance Film Festival New Frontiers, Utah, U.S.A. (2020)
- Infinita exhibition at Bienal de Artes Mediales, Benjamin Vicuña Mackenna National Museum, Santiago, Chile (2020)
- DOK:Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (2020)
- SXSW Festival, Texas, U.S.A. (2020) - Official selection but cancelled due to pandemic :(
- Bucheon International Animation Festival, Bucheon, South Korea (2020)
- CPH:DOX, Copenhagen, Denmark (2020)
- Stereopsia LATAM, Santiago, Chile (2021)
- MIM’s Santiago Virtual Week, Santiago, Chile (2021)
- Ñuble Film Festival, Ñuble, Chile (2022)
- Reino Fungi Festival, Pucón, Chile (2022)
- MixBrasil, São Paulo, Brazil (2022)
- VRFest Mex, Mexico City, Mexico (2022)
- Santiago Film Festival SANFIC XR, Santiago, Chile (2022)
- Patchlab Digital Art Festival, Kraków, Poland (2022)
- NewImages Festival, Paris, France (2022)
- Wildscreen Festival, Bristol, England (2022)
- Seoul International ALT Cinema & Media Festival, Seoul, South Korea (2022)
- Festival de la Imagen, Manizales, Colombia (2023)
Awards
- Winner of the Crystal Owl at Stereopsia LATAM, Santiago, Chile, (2021)
- Winner of Audiovisual Interactive Production Fund from the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Patrimony of Chile (2019)
Markets
- Venice Film Festival Production Bridge, Gap Financing Market, Venice, Italy, (2019)
- NewImages Festival, Distribution Market, Paris, France, (2023)
Testimonials
"Hypha was able to find a powerful sweet spot for how XR could be used within educational contexts since it was the type of experience that is going to catalyze a lot of imagination and curiosity about the unique nature of the fungi kingdom."
"One of the strangest experiences at Sundance 2020."
"The unique assemblage of body interactions work to emphasize the particular emotion associated with the narrative, whether it’s playfulness, loneliness, hope, or contentment."