Ferenj: A Graphic Memoir in VR

Ferenj is a pointcloud dreamscape generated using crowdsourced data and built using gaming technology. In this immersive graphic memoir, “home” is experienced as a post-spatial non-space of history, language, culture, music and time as you drift through reconstructed memories from Empress Taytu Ethiopian Restaurant in Cleveland to the streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This afrosurrealist world is an experimental form of emancipatory thought and resistance to othering, reclaiming Ethiopian-American mixed-race identity, redefining boundaries between fragmented nostalgia and the digital imaginary, and contributing to the movement to change the reductive and stereotypical narrative of Africa.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Ainslee Alem Robson

Credits

Director:

Ainslee Alem Robson

Producer:

Liam Young

Screenwriter:

Ainslee Alem Robson

Editor:

Ainslee Alem Robson

Sound Designer:

Ainslee Alem Robson

Music:

Kibrom Birhane

Principal Cast:

Ainslee Alem Robson, Melkamayehu Belachew, Laure Michelon, Kate Stuteville, Spencer Daly, Cole Daly, Kevin McMahon, Carl Robson, Senait Robson

Additional Credits:

Graphics: Ainslee Alem Robson, Art Assistance: Kidus Hailesilassie, Technical Assistance: Alexey Marfin, Tobias Heinemann, Memo Akten, Script Consultants: Parisa Ahmadi, Jan Padios, Nebiyat Demissie, Marisa Adame, Chelsea Frey, Ngozi Monica Cole, Crowdsourced Visual, Sound Archive Contributers: Senait Robson, Sofonias Solomon, Wilbur Kosart, Anwar Kedir, Nahom T. Haile, Carl A. Robson, Motion Capture Performer, Traditional Ethiopian Instrument Recording: Kibrom Birhane, Voiceover Recording: Husky Höskulds, Sound Effects Editor, Dialogue Editor: Cameron Selan, Models: Melkamayehu Belachew, Tewabech Belachew, Betelhem Shiferaw, Senait Robson

Contact

Public Film Contact:

Ainslee Alem Robson
ainslee.robson@gmail.com
216-972-4592

Publicity Contact:

Jessica McCormack
jessica@seehearspeak.agency

Primary Access
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Secondary Access
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About
Year:
2020
Premiere Status:
Screening in:
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Runtime:
8 mins