StoryFutures Academy, led by Royal Holloway and the National Film and Television School, has been shortlisted as one of 30 Creative Teams to take part in the R&D Project of Festival UK* 2022.
StoryFutures Academy will explore the use of immersive technologies, drawing on the partnership of the British Film Institute’s world-leading film heritage, Uplands TV and broadcaster and film-maker, David Olusoga’s storytelling expertise.
This will also include digital innovation from ISO Design and Nexus Studios, immersive storytelling from Punchdrunk and involvement of communities across The Reading Agency’s network of library partners across the UK.
Festival UK* 2022 will bring about ten open, original, optimistic, large-scale installations to showcase the UK's creativity and innovation to the world.
James Bennett, Director of StoryFutures Academy, said: “StoryFutures Academy is delighted to be leading this extraordinary team of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) creatives, who are all passionate about exploring how immersive storytelling can help us build a shared-sense of identity across the UK.
“With Festival UK* 2022, we can make the participation in our experiences uplifting and educational, whilst developing a shared vision for the future that is hopeful and optimistic.
“We are thrilled that David Olusoga has agreed to act as creative lead for the partnership, and we believe this partnership can truly inspire a national conversation about what identity means to people across the UK.”
David Olusoga, the British-Nigerian historian, broadcaster and film-maker, and Creative Lead for StoryFutures Academy’s Festival UK* 2022 bid, will be part of the duo behind Uplands TV, an independent TV company committed to making history alive to audiences now.
The bid is supported by organisations that champion opportunity, visibility and platforms for under-represented voices.
Engaging with local and diverse communities is key to StoryFutures Academy’s plans for Festival UK* 2022.
Ben Luxford, Head of UK Audiences at the BFI said: “We’re really excited to continue our partnership with StoryFutures Academy for Festival UK* 2022, enabling new and innovative ways for the public to access the UK’s rich and diverse screen heritage.
“The BFI National Archive holds one of the largest and most important collections of film and television in the world, offering insights into the lives of communities around the UK over the past 100 plus years. We’ll be using our partnerships, with filmmakers, exhibitors and educators, as well as our own direct activity, to bring these to the widest possible public audience across the UK.”
The project is also supported by partners with outstanding storytelling and production expertise to bring the project to life.
