EMPEROR

Marion Burger, Ilan J. Cohen

France | 2023 | 35 min | interactive

Credits:

Director: Marion Burger, Ilan J. Cohen Narration: Olivia Cooke in English, Vimala Pons in French 

Music: Jamie Turner (Heran Soun), Gaspar Claus 

Production: Oriane Hurard

Artistic Director: Daniel Balage

Animation: Albyon

Composition and Sound Design: Jamie Turner, Gaspar Claus, Côme Jalibert

Conception and Design: Ferdinand Dervieux, Darius Guernet

Synopsys:

Emperor is an interactive narrative experience in virtual reality that takes the user inside the brain of a father suffering from aphasia. It tells the story of a man who has lost his ability to speak and his daughter trying to reconnect with him.
As she explores fragments of his language, she discovers the connection between words and his lifelong memories.
Step by step, we dive into his inner world, trying to uncover the story he can no longer tell.
Told in a monochrome style close to traditional animation, Emperor is a poetic journey through loss, time, and the bonds that remain.

Festivals and Awards:

• Venice International Film Festival – 2023, Achievement Prize (Venice Immersive)
  Stereopsia VR experience (Belgium) – 2023 – Best User Experience Design
• Clermont-Ferrand ISFF – 2023
  Best VR Experience
• IDFA Amsterdam – 2023, DocLab Selection
• FIPADOC – 2024
• SXSW (South by Southwest) – 2024
• XR Experience