XYZZY Nominated for Prestigious Best of Earth Awards
Published: 15 March 2025
Written by: Tūhura Otago Museum
Dunedin's very own Tūhura Otago Museum has earned a global nod for excellence in immersive art, with its co-created planetarium show XYZZY nominated for the 2025 Best of Earth Awards. Recognised as one of the highest honours in fulldome filmmaking, the Best of Earth Awards celebrates the most innovative and visually stunning works from around the globe, and XYZZY is now among its nominees.
A thrilling fusion of art, animation, and technology, XYZZY has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Created by celebrated contemporary artist Jess Johnson and visionary director Simon Ward in collaboration with Tūhura Otago Museum, the immersive, psychedelic planetarium show is a bold exploration of abstract worlds, surreal landscapes, and mind-bending visuals. With Johnson's hand-drawn illustrations brought to life by Ward's cutting-edge animation, the film takes audiences on a sensory journey featuring flesh mandalas, self-replicating architecture, alien deities, and undulating forms – all set to a hypnotic, 90s-inspired electronic synthesiser soundtrack.
"This is a massive achievement for Tūhura Otago Museum and for New Zealand's art, technology, and planetarium scene," said Craig Scott, Head of Exhibitions and Creative Services at Tūhura Otago Museum. "To have XYZZY recognised at such a prestigious level is not only a testament to the incredible work of Jess Johnson and Simon Ward but also to the dedicated team here at Tūhura. The show has already generated significant interest overseas, particularly in Europe, and we are thrilled to see it getting the global recognition it deserves."
XYZZY has already taken the world by storm, winning the Best Art Film award at the 2024 Dome Under Film Festival in Melbourne. This exciting nomination adds to its growing international reputation as a groundbreaking example of immersive art and storytelling.
Tūhura Otago Museum is particularly proud to have been the first venue to screen XYZZY globally. This recognition reinforces the Museum's status as a leader in bringing cutting-edge, innovative experiences to Dunedin and the wider New Zealand community.
"This nomination is a great reflection of the talent and creativity within our community," Craig Scott added. "It highlights the significance of Tūhura Otago Museum not just as a space for science and education, but also as a hub for artistic innovation."
With XYZZY's increasing acclaim, Tūhura Otago Museum continues to put Dunedin at the forefront of the global art and science scene, cementing the city's reputation as a vibrant cultural hub in New Zealand.