kajoo yannaga
2024
Follow the Companion Sky Spirit through a virtual walk on Country – emerging from the depths of subterranean soils to a ground-level play space, ascending to meet the celestial clouds.
kajoo yannaga (come on let’s walk together) is at once a cinematic story, an immersive two-channel projection and a gamified journey guided by First Nations knowledges. Through real-time motion tracking mapping body movement, connect to place and be transported to a vivid Spirit realm sprinkled with signs and signals for those who look to see. With self-determination and generosity in mind, the completion of each circular story cycle pulls you back to start again. Leave kajoo yannaga with a newfound understanding of our shared responsibilities for united, intergenerational healing.
kajoo yannaga was presented in 2024 with Now or Never Festival and Melbourne International Film Festival at the Australian Centre for the moving image (ACMI). Proudly supported by RMIT University.
Credits
Director: April Phillips (Wiradjuri-Scottish)
Virtual Art / Animation Director: Pat Younis (Lebanese–Australian)
Technical Director, Visual Effects and Interaction: Jordan East
Story Artists: April Phillips, Pat Younis
Musician, Vocals, Traditional Dancer, Mocap Actor: Warren Foster Jnr. aka Prodikal-1 (Yuin Djiringanj)
Musician, Song Man, Language, Elder: Warren Ngarrae Foster Snr. (Yuin Djiringanj)
Host Artist: Jarra Karalinar Steel (Boonwurrung, Wemba Wemba and Trawlwoolway)
Sound Composer: Mark Leahy
Sound Design and Mix: Jack Prest
3D Asset Designers: Alvin Zhong (Chinese–Australian), April Phillips, Pat Younis and Jarra Karalinar Steel
Exhibition Design: Youssofzay + Hart
Photogrammetry 3D object scans from real world objects: arra Karalinar Steel, Joel Spring and Genevieve Murray (photography April Phillips)
Winner 2024 The Uncle Jack Charles Award presented by Kearney Group
Jury Statement:
This bold and refreshing animation made us all feel a childlike sense of wonder with its stunning technicolour visuals and immersive sound design that built a world that felt ancient and futuristic all at once. Lead artist April Phillips has a strong and clear artistic vision and we were all left wanting more.
The first iteration of this work was commissioned and produced by Utp as Body Place at Bankstown Art Centre. This project was assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body’s VACS funding. With support from Create NSW, Creative Partnerships Australia, Neilson Foundation, Bankstown Arts Centre and Tactical Lab UNSW, with support from Creative Partnerships Australia through Plus1.