There, Exists
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Kylie Boltin: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5764-0397
Abstract
There Exists is a technologically ground-breaking docu-fiction co-created between a UK, European, and First Nations team. Set in 1792, the narrative draws on data from the British Museum and First Nations histories to immerse the audience into the life of Mary Randall, a British convict sent to Warrane (now New South Wales). Mary is caught up in the tumultuous period of British colonisation of Australia, a time of cruelty to convicts and the terrible impact upon Indigenous peoples. Most convict stories deal with a British experience, but this story embraces the relationship between a convict woman and her Indigenous Darug Nation friend, Duringah.
Document Type
Other
Date of Publication
2024
Location of the Work
SXSW Sydney
Research Statement
Inspired by centuries-old archival material and First Nations storytelling oral traditions, the project activates the perspective of early colonial settlement from both an Indigenous and British perspective. In the act of 'writing back' to the archives and established stories of this time, Dharug author Julie Janson co-wrote the script alongside a British counterpart. Boltin also commissioned several First Nations creatives across the project, ensuring that this perspective influenced all areas of creative execution. This story rectifies historical myths of First contact in an immersive forward-facing environment for the next generation. The project was selected for exhibition at the South by Southwest Sydney Conference and Festivals (SXSW Sydney) 2024. This week-long future-focused event combines the tech and innovation, games, music, and screen industries to spark dialogue and showcase the best technological and narrative innovations. Boltin also presented her research at local academic and tech-focused industry conferences. The project also served to activate the careers of several First Nations developers and provided the space for intergenerational First Nations creative mentorship as part of Boltin's methodology.
School
School of Arts and Humanities
RAS ID
78819
Comments
Janson, J., Mourre, G., Boltin, K., Bregman, A., & Baird, G. (2024, April). There, exists [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gUzu31FOCM