“Cityflow": On the trail of Loomit with the Apple Vision Pro

What happens when a legendary graffiti artist, three creative filmmakers and state-of-the-art XR technology come together? The result is a film that not only tells a story, but also draws the viewer right into the middle of it - in color, sound and history. This is exactly what Carl Amadeus Hiller, Sheila Uschkurat and Janis Winkler have created with their new project: an immersive portrait of Loomit, an icon of the Munich street art scene.

The film shows Mathias Köhler alias Loomit not only as an artist, but also as a chronicler of Munich. In the 15-minute VR documentary, he takes the audience to places that have shaped him - from the Hofgarten and the pedestrian tunnel on Ludwigstraße to one of the most famous churches for church paintings from the 17th century, the Wieskirche, which was formative for the street artist. “These are all places that have a meaning for Loomit, that he was allowed to curate or where he himself was active as an artist,” explains Janis Winkler. The result is more than just a classic portrait: “You learn a lot about Munich with him,” says Amadeus Hiller, “it's about the city's history, personal memories and the development of graffiti culture.”

What many people don't know: Munich is one of the birthplaces of the European graffiti and street art scene. Long before Berlin or Hamburg became famous for urban art, Munich artists painted an entire S-Bahn train, the Geltendorf train, for the first time in Europe in 1985. Loomit was one of the pioneers of this movement, traveling the world early on, networking internationally and bringing new techniques and influences back to Munich. “Munich was an absolute pioneer,” explains Sheila Uschkurat, ”and Loomit's influence on the city is still visible today.” Even though Munich often has a stiff and preppy image, street art culture is alive and well: from legal graffiti areas, such as the best-known ones in the Schlachthofviertel and Kultfabrik, to international projects such as the Hands Off The Wall Festival, which brings new creative impulses to the city.

Like being there live: XR as a narrative format for (documentary) films

The narrative form of the film is particularly impressive: in virtual reality, Loomit stands right in front of you, speaks to the viewer, paints – and you can hear the spray can hissing as if you were there live. “VR is a total win for this movie,” says Sheila Uschkurat. “It's as if you're really traveling with it.” For Janis Winkler, it is precisely this closeness that makes the difference: “You are completely in his world for 15 minutes.”

The project was produced in just around eight weeks - from the initial idea to realization. The film was shot in three days, supplemented by elaborate 3D scans. And: the film is a technical premiere. It is the first immersive 16K documentary in Europe for the Apple Vision Pro.

In addition to the actual VR experience, the project also offers an “Extended Story Park”. After watching the film, visitors can look around the grounds in front of the Futuro Pavilion at the Pinakothek der Moderne with VR glasses and virtually enter places that were seen in the film. Accompanied by Loomit's voice, even more stories about the artist and his work can be experienced. “We are opening up a new space in which things worth seeing happen in several places. It's perhaps a bit like going to the theater,” explains Uschkurat. “Everyone decides for themselves what they want to focus on.”

Premiere: The film will be shown for the first time at the DOK.fest in Munich

The film can be seen for the first time at DOK.fest Munich from May 5 to 18 in the Futuro at the Pinakothek der Moderne. Alongside other VR projects, the Experience will be accessible to all visitors free of charge - without accreditation, simply by booking a slot on the festival website. The VR glasses required for the Experience are automatically reserved with the booked appointment. The filmmakers will provide the first insights into the film on 7 May: at the panel “From AI to XR: New technical narrative formats in documentary film”, which XPLR: MEDIA in Bavaria is organizing together with the Blue Panther – TV & Streaming Award, they will present the project “Citiyflow – Loomits Munich”.

Those who can't make it to DOK.fest will certainly get another opportunity soon. It is planned that the project will make guest appearances at various locations in Germany. A version for the Meta Quest glasses is also being planned – but then without the interactive Extended Story Park.

For the three filmmakers, the project is also a statement for Bavaria as a media location. “I've never seen anything like what the XR HUB Bavaria is doing anywhere else,” says Amadeus Hiller. “The networking, the possibilities - it's unique.” And plans for future projects? “Oktoberfest, the traditional beer brewing culture, FC Bayern – we never run out of ideas about Bavaria,” assures Janis Winkler with a smile.