Presented by the Museum of the Moving Image This Morning You Wake Up to a Nuclear Threat: Exploring Social Impact Through Virtual Reality from 20 January to 12 February. Presented by Games for Change, there are demonstrations of In The Morning You Wake Up (To The End Of The World)a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) documentary at the heart of a global nuclear disarmament campaign that demonstrates the unique power of immersive storytelling for social impact, and explores the production and global impact of the project.
“MoMI is proud to partner with Games for Change in presenting the In the Morning You Wake Up,” said Carl Goodman, the Museum’s Executive Director. “What is so remarkable about the work is the way in which new technologies for creative expression can be used to address and confront one of the world’s most powerful technologies of destruction. Whether through documentary film and television or through immersive media, MoMI continues to investigate, create awareness of, and, hopefully, inspire action around our most pressing global threats.”
In the Morning You Wake Up It is a VR documentary that immerses viewers in the personal experiences of the people in Hawaii who faced a nuclear threat. On the morning of January 13, 2018, a message from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency rang out on phones across the state: “SMALL BALLISTIC MISSILES OVER HAWAII. OTHER THAN IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” As cellular communications networks collapsed and panic set in, 1.4 million people came to understand the true, dire and urgent nature of today’s nuclear threat. Thirty-eight minutes later, the alert was withdrawn. Although nothing happened, everything changed.
Coming at a critical time for public awareness and understanding of nuclear proliferation, the project offers a human-centered perspective on a complex geopolitical issue, making clear the fundamental injustice of a world held hostage by nuclear weapons. Created by Archer’s Mark and Atlas V, In The Morning You Wake Up (To The End Of The World) It was originally conceived in partnership with the social impact organization Games for Change and Princeton University’s Global Science and Security Program. From its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2022, In the Morning You Wake Up he inspired audiences around the world to take action to shape the future of nuclear weapons policy and join the global nuclear abolition movement.
“In the Morning You Wake Up a transformative work of art and a proof point for the power of immersive technologies to drive social impact,” said executive producer Susanna Pollack, president of Games for Change. “We are thrilled to partner with MoMI on this first-of-its-kind US museum exhibition In the Morning You Wake Upwhich aims to inspire critical dialogue and action toward nuclear abolition, and inspire current and future creators and changemakers to continue pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling for impact.”
Through vivid real-life audio testimonies and performances recorded using cutting-edge volumetric video capture technology, the experience brings human stories to life in a 3D world that provides a visual metaphor for the chaos and panic immediately following the terrifying event. By seamlessly integrating documentary storytelling with innovative production techniques and a large-scale public education and impact campaign, In the Morning You Wake Up it shows how emerging technology amplifies the power of storytelling to drive social change. This exhibition offers an opportunity to view the VR project, and also provides insight into the creative storytelling process, technical innovation, and global impact of the film. Watch the trailer.
In The Morning You Wake Up (To The End Of The World) Created by Archer’s Mark and Atlas V – award-winning producers i Notes on VR Blindness—and executive produced by Games for Change and Princeton University’s Global Science and Security Program. Supporters include VR for Good, Arte France, and British Film Institute. The project is currently being distributed internationally by Astrea.
The exhibition This Morning You Wake Up to a Nuclear Threat: Exploring Social Impact Through Virtual Reality on view in the MoMI Amphitheater Gallery. Tickets for the VR documentary are $15 and include access to the exhibition (an additional $5 offers access to all Museum galleries). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit movingimage.us/event/morning-you-wake
The Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) is the only institution in the United States that deals comprehensively with the art, technology, enjoyment and social impact of film, television and digital media. In its magnificent facility in Astoria, New York, the Museum presents exhibitions; exhibitions; discussion programs featuring actors, directors and creative leaders; and educational programs. It has the largest collection of moving image artefacts in the country and shows over 500 films each year. Its exhibitions – including the central exhibition Behind the Screen and The Jim Henson Show—are known for their integration of material objects, interactive experiences, and audiovisual presentations.
Since 2004, Games for Change (G4C) has empowered game creators and innovators to drive real-world change – using games and immersive media to help people learn, their communities and improve, and make the world better. G4C partners with technology and gaming companies, non-profits, foundations, and government agencies to run world-class events, public forums, design challenges, and youth programs. G4C supports a global community of game developers who are working on using games to tackle real-world challenges, from humanitarian conflicts to climate change and education.
