VR Gallery
The Starry Sand Beach
One of Japan’s most fascinating myths, Starry Sand Beach charts the legend of Taketomi Island and the captivating origins of the star-shaped sand species called foraminifera. A riveting tale beginning with the marriage of the Southern Cross Star and the Polar Star and the fate of their children – thousands of tiny stars that plummet into the Okinawa Sea – this immersive experience takes you on a spellbinding life journey of a grain of sand; snaking past treacherous mythical sea serpents, ambling sea turtles and the slowly morphing depths of time and space where unknown wonders reside.
The foraminifera take numerous shapes - some are star-shaped, others in the form of ears, mini-sputniks, ammonites or even strange shells. Oceanographers study them as markers of climate change and their calcium carbonate shell can help us date the movements of the ocean floor going back to millions of years and also help track the rate of acidity in the oceans. Combining the complex marvels of these astounding research with the amorphous, dynamic nature of virtual-reality, artist Hsin-Chien Huang crafts an awe-striking environment where history, science and legend collide to tell a story of hope: a life as small as a grain of sand can change the world.
Premiered in-competition at the Venice Film Festival 2021.
Credits
THE STARRY SAND BEACH
Directed by NINA BARBIER & HSIN-CHIEN HUANG
Original music ARMAND AMAR
Interactive audio direction FRANCK WEBER
Narrated by ANNA FLORI-LAMOUR, SHARON MANN & AI YI-LIANG
Graphic creation & development OREADY INNOVATION LAB
Executive producer: LUCID REALITIES
Coproducers: MUSEUM NATIONAL D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE (Paris, France)
With the support of TAIWAN CREATIVE CONTENT AGENCY (TAICCA) , CENTRE NATIONAL DU CINEMA ET DE L’IMAGE ANIMEE CNC , PROCIREP – SOCIETE DES PRODUCTEURS & ANGOA
Notice
1. Please note that VR experiences are not recommended for individuals with claustrophobia, a history of seizures, epilepsy, and/or sensitivity to flashing lights.
2. Please refer to the Advisories before booking your ticket.
3. To create the best experience, each VR session starts on time. Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your purchased session.
Images ©LucidRealities-MNHN