A futurist VR experience is coming to Toronto this month (PHOTOS)

Sep 13 2018, 12:26 am

There’s an epic virtual reality (VR) experience coming to Nathan Phillips Square this month that will transport users to a radically different version of the Toronto they’re familiar with.

Presented by the National Film Board, Biidaaban: First Light is an interactive VR time-jump into a highly realistic and radically different Toronto.

As users explore this altered city now reclaimed by nature, they must think about their place in history and ultimately their role in the future.

first light

National Film Board

During the VR experience, users will hear the languages of the place originally known as Tkaronto.

First Light

National Film Board

Through gaze-based interactions, users engage with the written text of the Wendat, Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway) and gain insight into the complex thought systems of this land’s first peoples.

First light

National Film Board

The VR environment was created using to-scale architectural models of Toronto’s Osgoode subway station and the buildings surrounding Nathan Phillips Square.

First Light

National Film Board

The award-winning VR experience was created by Anishinaabe director Lisa Jackson, who is one of Canada’s most celebrated contemporary artists working in film and VR.

To bring Biidaaban: First Light to life, Jackson joined forces with 3D artist Mathew Borrett to create a future for Canada’s largest urban centre from an Indigenous female perspective.

Biidaaban: First Light will be on display at Nathan Phillips Square from September 18 to 24 and is free to experience. Users can reserve their spots online.

Biidaaban: First Light

When: September 18 to 24
Time: 12 pm to 7 pm (September 18); 8 am to 7 pm (September 19 to 21); 9 am to 7 pm (September 22 and 23); 8 am to 5 pm (September 24)
Where: Nathan Phillips Square
Price: Free to attend, book your spot online here

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