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Australian filmmaker brings virtual reality cinema to Sundance 2016

Australian artist Lynette Wallworthy is leading the way in virtual reality filmmaking as first chosen in a new Sundance residency program. 

It is part of the Sundance Insititute's New Frontier program which focuses on cutting edge art forms.

The six-month virtual reality program is supporting four artists initially with the financial backing of virtual reality company Jaunt.

The aim is to merge virtual reality filmmakers into Story Labs – the Sundance incubator – while developing cinematic VR.

Wallworth will present her film Collisions at Sundance 2016.

Collisions takes the viewer on a journey to a remote desert in western Australia that is home to indigenous leader Nyarri Morgan and the Martu tribe. 

Nyarri's first contact with western culture was in the 1950s via a dramatic collision between his traditional world view and the cutting edge of modern technology. 

The cast includes Nyarri Nyarri Morgan, Curtis Taylor.

Wallworth is known for her use of interactive technologies to create immersive installations.

Her works have been shown at the Lincoln Center, previsouly at Sundance Film Festival and at festivals across Europe, Australia and New Zealand.  

Sundance Story Labs provides support for screenwriters, directors and theatre professionals through its residency programs.

Sundance institute executive director, Keri Putnam, said virtual reality and other multimedia forms were accelerating the evolution of storytelling.

"We are excited to collaborate with Jaunt Studios to provide independent artists the space and resources to experiment with these technologies," she said. 

"We hope their unique voices, diverse perspectives and creativity will help define the potential of this new medium.”  

Jaunt Studios president, Cliff Plumer, said virtual reality represented an entirely new medium for entertainment and media. 

"One where creativity is the new currency, artistic vision trumps tradition and immersion intensifies viewer emotions," he said.

“As we drive forward our mission is to empower the next generation of artists and filmmakers. 

"The launch of the Sundance Institute New Frontier | Jaunt VR Residency is further proof that cinematic virtual reality is a major force in the evolution of storytelling, and of our commitment to get this technology into the hands of cutting edge filmmakers and storytellers.”