Finding Frida

Synopsis

In a “real unreality” VR space, a miniature Art Nouveau villa appears before expanding to full scale. Past and present weave together as we step into the world of Frida Hansen – once an internationally acclaimed textile artist, now largely forgotten. Guided by her great-great-granddaughter Cecilie, we explore a lush garden where archival photographs, a gramophone and woven artworks become portals into Frida’s life. As bankruptcy and profound personal grief descend, the vibrant garden withers into darkness. From this desolation emerge four enigmatic female figures, foreshadowing the work Semper Vadentes and the beginning of Frida’s artistic awakening. Across a century, Frida and Cecilie’s lives entwine. Through art, hardship is transformed into enduring beauty – a testament to how the role models we uncover continue to inspire and shape who we become.

Statement

Finding Frida is a documentary VR experience where past and present intertwine in an exploration of art, family and the power of human creativity. Photorealistic 3D scans, dreamlike projections and animated artwork blend with a soundscape of reworked foley and an original musical score. Voice-over drawn from interviews with Frida Hansen and contemporary historical sources seeks authenticity within a dreamlike world while shedding new light on a forgotten female artist. Central to the work is the value of role models, and how VR allows resonance to travel back and forth through time.

Videos

• ▶Norwegian VR experience "Finding Frida" produced by RippleX Studios at Immersive Venice competitionInterview · filmfestivals.com

Credits

Director

Hilde K. Kjøs

Production

RippleX Studios (Bjørn-Morten Nerland), Scopic BV (Justin Karten)

Running Time

41'

Language

English

Country

Norway

Main Cast

Tone Danielsen, Cecilie Levy

Screenplay

Cecilie Levy

Editor

Peejee Doorduin, Didrik Sørensen, Bart Voorsluis

Music

Sigrid Anita Haugen

Sound

Oliver Kadel

Art directors

Hilde K. Kjøs, The Shoebox Diorama

Lead developer

Benjamin Sørskår

Designer

Ids Fijen

Artist

The Shoebox Diorama