We’ve recently launched two short documentaries into the making of First Lights – Binalup and First Lights – Nyinggulu.
Produced by the Fremantle Biennale and directed by filmmaker Luna Laure, these short videos offer behind the scenes insights from the lead artists, communities and Traditional Custodians around each of the stories told in the skies.
Watch the full length videos here:
First Lights is a place-responsive, dynamic arts and cultural story-telling experience which combines innovative new technologies with ancient and living stories of place.
Each First Lights is created by a new collective of artists, composers and musicians, who are guided by Traditional Owners from each place.
Read more about each of the artists here.
Photo: Duncan Wright.
Following the success of Fremantle Biennale’s inaugural First Lights with Moombaki in 2021, our fleet will take flight to Darwin Festival in 2022, illuminating the night sky to share ancient stories of place and Larrakia culture.
A new choreographed drone light show, First Lights: balarr inyiny, meaning light dreaming, will be led by Darwin local and Larrakia artist Jenna Lee and supported by elders from the Larrakia community, with cinematic sound created by music producer Kuya James and composer Lena Kellie.
The large-scale contemporary artform involves choreographing a fleet of nearly 200 drones with powerful LED lights through specialist 3D animation techniques, alongside a cinematic soundscape to create an immersive light performance, free and accessible for all.
Commissioned by the Fremantle Biennale and co-presented with Darwin Festival, First Lights: balarr inyiny will illuminate the skies over Jervois Park, Darwin for the final three nights of the festival from 19 – 21 August.
For more information on balarr inyiny for Darwin Festival visit the project page here.
Image: Ilona McGuire, Moombaki, 2021, Derbarl Nara (Coogee Beach). Courtesy the artist and Fremantle Biennale. Photo: Duncan Wright.