Ôl | Haunts, a virtual reality experience featuring music by Super Furry Animals, has become the first Welsh-language VR project selected for competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The co-production between the Wales Millennium Centre, Pilot Theatre, and Dreaming Methods uses archival footage from the National Library of Wales to explore 2006 youth culture.
Welsh Immersive Storytelling on the Global Stage
The selection of Ôl | Haunts for the Venice Immersive category marks a significant milestone for Welsh-language digital media. Out of thousands of submissions, the project was chosen as one of only 68 immersive experiences to be presented on Venice Immersive Island from September 2 to 12. According to co-director Lucy Hammond, the international recognition validates immersive technology as a potent storytelling medium capable of crossing linguistic and cultural borders.
Did you know?
Ôl | Haunts uses the Wales Broadcast Archive—a vast collection of material from BBC Cymru Wales, ITV Cymru Wales, and S4C—to reconstruct the rural atmosphere of Llanberis during the mid-2000s.
Bridging Digital Archives and Nostalgia
The project functions as a sensory journey back to 2006, a pivot point in history when social media platforms like Twitter were first gaining traction. By combining virtual landscapes with authentic archive footage, creators Lucy Hammond and Tom Chetwode-Barton aim to evoke a specific sense of regional nostalgia. The narrative, voiced by Callum Scott-Howells in English and Steffan Donnelly in Welsh, juxtaposes the digital awakening of the era against the industrial backdrop of Gwynedd’s slate quarries.
The production represents a collaborative effort involving:
- Creative Development: Dreaming Methods (Judi Alston and Andy Campbell).
- Funding: National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Welsh Government.
- Musical Direction: Tracks from Super Furry Animals, John Cale, and High Contrast.
Institutional Support for Immersive Media
The Wales Millennium Centre has positioned Ôl | Haunts as part of a broader strategy to foster technical innovation in the arts. David Massey, Creative Technology and Storytelling Senior Producer at the Centre, confirmed that the organization is increasing its investment in immersive formats. This includes the annual Annwn Prize and future commissions, with a new co-production already slated for the 2027 season.
For those looking to experience the work, it will be showcased at the National Eisteddfod in North Pembrokeshire from August 1 to 8, followed by the Venice premiere and an exhibition at the Llais Festival at the Wales Millennium Centre from October 7 to 11.
Pro Tip: When exploring immersive narratives, focus on the soundscapes. In Ôl | Haunts, the music of Super Furry Animals acts as a primary emotional anchor, grounding the virtual environment in Welsh cultural identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Venice International Film Festival selection?
It is the first time a Welsh-language VR work has been selected for competition at the festival, which is the oldest film festival in the world. This highlights the growing international profile of Welsh immersive storytelling.
Where can I view Ôl | Haunts?
The experience is touring throughout late 2024, including the National Eisteddfod (August 1–8), the Venice International Film Festival (September 2–12), and the Llais Festival at the Wales Millennium Centre (October 7–11).
What technology is used in the experience?
The project utilizes virtual reality headsets to present a multi-sensory environment that blends theater, 3D landscapes, and historical broadcast footage from the National Library of Wales.
Have you experienced VR storytelling before? Share your thoughts on how digital archives can preserve cultural memory in the comments below.
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