!AITSA

In the heart of South Africa’s vast Karoo desert, where time seems to stretch on forever, stands a colossal radio telescope, untouched by electronic interference. But beyond this scientific feat lies the captivating story of an indigenous people in harmony with their sacred land for centuries. Presented at CPH:DOX and awarded the Grand Prize for Best Artistic Achievement at the Pärnu International Film Festival 2023, this cosmic saga takes us into the heart of spirituality and cutting-edge research into the origins of the universe.

Word of direction

This film takes place in the same region as where I grew up, The Karoo. Seven generations of my family have lived and found identity in The Karoo. They have found their divine understanding of the universe from here and now I am trying to find mine.
My work always aims to heal. I work with the medicinal plant biomes from The Karoo and have a deep connection to the people, energies and powers of the earth that correlate here. As a curious storyteller I am deeply fascinated by the parallel stories observed here, where one can see both science and spirit exploring deep into time and space.
I made !AITSA as an exploration about mankind trying to understand our place in the universe through exploring the place where we collectively originate from as humans. To explore the different human interpretations of what life is and where we are, beyond that, what the act of finding out is doing to us.

- Dane Dodds