Isaura
“Isaura, city of the thousand wells, is said to rise over a deep, subterranean lake. On all sides, wherever the inhabitants dig long vertical holes in the ground, they succeed in drawing up water, as far as the city extends, and no farther. Its green border repeats the dark outline of the buried lake; an invisible landscape conditions the visible one; everything that moves in the sunlight is driven by the lapping wave enclosed beneath the rock's calcareous sky. “
The People
Inspired by the book Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino
Created by Kelly Wu
The Wellkeeper
The Wellkeeper of Isaura, a revered figure, tends to the city's wells with a deep understanding of their sacred significance, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of its life source. Her practical attire reflects her focus on duty over fashion, earning her respect for the community she serves.
The Oracle of Depths
The enigmatic Oracle of Isaura claims communion with ancient gods in the city's subterranean depths, offering cryptic prophecies that both captivate and divide the populace. Her loose-fitting attire reflects her laid-back demeanor, embodying her genuine belief in the spiritual realm she inhabits.
The Engineer
The Engineer of Isaura is a dedicated innovator, engineering intricate systems to harness the city's subterranean waters, guided by profound respect for its hidden depths and divine significance. His pragmatic attire reflects his focus on practicality over style, mirroring his commitment to the city's sustenance through his craft.
The Set Design
The Developmental Sketches
The Lightning
The Story of Isaura
The 1-minute video I've created is a narrative that intertwines elements of mythology, spirituality, and human ingenuity, all within the backdrop of the fictional ancient city of Isaura. My choices for this piece were driven by a desire to create a story that not only entertains but also explores themes of belief, unity, and the interplay between nature, specifically water and the man-made specifically water wheels and aqueducts.
At its core, the story revolves around a young girl who becomes a channel between two contrasting beliefs prevalent in Isaura: the belief in mystical, divine entities residing in the depths of the earth's waters, and the strong dedication to mechanical systems that provide the city with its life-sustaining water supply. This duality sets the stage for the young girl’s journey of discovery.
HUGE THANK YOU TO