Home After War

Home After War

Installation

Information

What if your home becomes the place you fear? An Iraqi father returns to Fallujah to face the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Through this virtual reality experience, join him in his home and discover the unfolding of a tragic event.
International title
Home After War
Release date
08/30/2018
Synopsis
"Home After War" is a room-scale, interactive virtual reality experience that takes you to Fallujah, a city that was, until recently, under Islamic State (IS) control. The war against IS has ended but the city is still unsafe. There’s one looming fear for returning refugees – booby trapped homes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the neighbourhoods. Since the end of the war, thousands of civilians have died or been injured by IEDs. ​ Ahmaied Hamad Khalaf and his family returned home after the fighting subsided. In the experience, you find yourself in Ahmaied’s home, which still shows signs of the damage from the war. ​ Explore Ahmaied’s home by either walking physically or teleporting in the space as he tells you his story about returning to a home that might be booby trapped. Witness life outside the four walls of his house through 360° videos embedded in the space. ​ Hear Ahmaied speak of his loss and his hopes for his family, country and the world. Learn about what it's like to fear the home you once loved. WARNING: This experience contains disturbing content. Viewer discretion is advised. It may not be suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy or post-traumatic stress disorder.
URL
https://www.homeafterwar.net/
Thematics
DocumentarySociety / PoliticalWar
Technology(ies) used
InstallationMultisensory (heat, wind, scent…)PhotogrammetryStereoscopic 3D
Production company(ies)
NowHere Media

Distribution Strategy

Device(s) compatibility
Oculus QuestOculus Quest 2Oculus RiftOculus Rift S
Number of user(s)
Single-user experience
Play area
IndoorRoom ScaleSeated (360° chair)Standing
Distribution strategy
Art museums & galleriesCulture & ethnographic museumsDigital art centersFestival, Art fairs
Main Achievements (Prize, Selection, where the project has been already distributed)
Venice Film Festival 2018 (Official Selection), SXSW (Winner Best use of immersive Arts), NYC Independent Film Festival (Best Virtual Reality Video),

Team

First and last name(s) of the Lead artist(s)
Gayatri Parameswaran
First and last name(s) of producer(s)
Felix Gaedtke, Amy Seidenwurm, Sandra Bialystok, Lauren Burmaster, Paula Cuneo
Main cast
Ahmaied Hamad Khalaf
NowHere MediaNowHere Media is a multi-award winning studio in Berlin designing virtual and augmented reality experiences, powered by evocative storytelling. We work with film production companies, nonprofits, media organisations and brand partners to create impactful stories that inspire and engage global audiences. Our work finds itself at the intersection of art, technology and social change. Founders Felix Gaedtke and Gayatri Parameswaran have backgrounds in journalism and believe in the power of stories to transform. We specialise in the fields of human rights, conflict, social justice and the climate crisis. From covering the war in Syria to chasing snow leopards in the Himalayas, we’re trained for productions in hostile and challenging environments. We handle our productions with extreme care. We value quality over quantity, and understand diversity in all its forms to be an asset. All our pieces are born out of co-creative and collaborative processes. For each project, we carefully curate teams to meet specific needs for immersive design -- photogrammetry, volumetric capture, animation, spatial sound, interactivity or multisensory installations.

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