Content vienna award,
Wirtschaftsagentur Wien / sxsw special awardee
The coffeehouse cultures of Austria and Japan can be explored in the planned game project "Kissaten Vienna" by Rebecca Merlic. Through 3D scans, interviews, research in Vienna and Tokyo, and digital technologies, the unique experience of both cultures will be captured and digitized into a playable prototype. The design is inspired by real Viennese coffeehouses and Japanese *kissaten* (literally "teahouse," a Japanese-style café). The project is not only about playfully exploring these two worlds but also about archiving, preserving, and advancing cultural heritage. A research project between Vienna and Tokyo aims to pass on knowledge to younger audiences in an engaging way and strengthen intercultural exchange.
In the year 2084, Rebecca Merlic delves into a world where virtual cafés are the norm, and human interaction increasingly takes place through digital interfaces. In her experimental documentary project "Kissaten VIE: Exploring Kissaten and Kaffeehaus Culture," she explores the fading tradition of physical coffeehouses in Vienna and *kissaten* in Japan as social spaces for personal encounters and creative expression. From the historic coffeehouses of Vienna to the hidden, disappearing *kissaten* of bustling Tokyo and rural Japan, Merlic’s journey spans continents. Through intimate interviews with coffeehouse owners and regulars, she uncovers the deeply rooted rituals and cultural significance tied to these spaces. Despite the challenges of the digital age, Merlic aims to highlight the resilience of human connections and the value of pausing to enjoy meaningful interaction in an era of technological acceleration. Kissaten VIE serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless allure of coffeehouse culture and the strength of personal encounters. Merlic hopes to inspire viewers to appreciate and support these spaces where meaningful connections are forged.
project supported by Wirtschaftsagentur Wien
Content Award winner 2024