Melbourne-based XR studio PHORIA has released Julaymba, its first original XR production.

The immersive experience, named after the Eastern Kuku Yalanji word for the Daintree Rainforest, showcases the world's oldest living rainforest through cutting-edge technology, blending VR 180 & 360, 3D animation, and cinematic aerial photography.

Julaymba is the result of a collaboration between PHORIA, the Jabalbina Aboriginal Corporation, and the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.

Narrated by Eastern Kuku Yalanji Elder and Traditional Owner, Uncle Richard Burchill, Julaymba invites viewers to explore the Daintree Rainforest from multiple perspectives.

"Seeing the finished product just blows me away. It's something very special," Uncle Richard said.

"I've seen grown men cry after viewing this VR because they are experiencing something that is real to me."

The experience begins with a traditional smoking ceremony, followed by an immersive journey through the rainforest.

Audiences soar through the lush canopy, stand beneath cascading waterfalls, and uncover the cultural and ecological knowledge of the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.

Along the way, they are introduced to Eastern Kuku Yalanji words, fostering a deeper connection to the language of Country.

Uncle Richard's involvement in the project has personal significance.

"When I look back on my own life, growing up in Daintree, I felt that we weren't getting the real story in our textbooks and from teachers," he said.

Julaymba presents a much-needed alternative, offering audiences a chance to engage with the true history and culture of Australia's Indigenous people.

"This is a kind way of telling my story, a personal way to pass on the truth of our history," Uncle Richard said.

For Kirsty Burchill, the project's producer and Uncle Richard's daughter, her role was to ensure the cultural integrity of the experience.

"I helped write Dad's story and supported in the cultural content," she said.

"The relationship we built with Joseph and Trent at PHORIA was crucial.

"They are like family to us now, and I was determined to make sure my dad's story was told respectfully."

PHORIA co-founder, Joseph Purdam, emphasised how the project evolved naturally from initial meetings with the Burchill family.

"We were keen to explore how this technology could support cultural storytelling and preservation," Mr Purdam said.

"There was a real passion for using this medium to share language and culture, and to make these experiences accessible to people who may never have the opportunity to travel to the Daintree."

Julaymba blends technology with deep cultural understanding.

"We used a combination of 360 video, 180 stereoscopic video, and game engine environments to create a unique, immersive world," Mr Purdam said.

The experience is designed to make viewers feel as though they are physically present in the rainforest, with interactive elements that help them connect with the environment.

"We wanted to create a space where you could feel like you're standing in the Daintree, with the sounds, the sights, and the spirit of the land around you," Mr Purdam said.

The production is already making waves on the global stage.

Julaymba has been shown at prestigious festivals like SXSW Austin, SXSW Sydney, the St Kilda Film Festival, and the United Nations COP28 climate conference in Dubai.

The experience has reached more than 10,000 people worldwide and continues to earn recognition as one of the most innovative XR experiences in cultural storytelling.

Ms Burchill reflected on the success and reach of the project.

"When we first started, Dad wanted to reach communities outside of Mossman, but now he's touching lives around the world," she said.

"He's in retirement, and he doesn't even have to lift a finger - it's amazing."

For Uncle Richard, Julaymba represents a step forward in cultural preservation.

"I see the potential of this project to not only share my story but also to ensure our language, our culture, and our country are preserved for future generations," he said.

The partnership between PHORIA, the Jabalbina Aboriginal Corporation, and the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people ensures that the cultural significance of the land is shared with global audiences while maintaining respect for the community and its Elders.

Mr Purdam is optimistic about the future of immersive storytelling.

"We are looking to expand distribution to hubs like Zero Latency and schools, so even people who can't afford a headset can experience Julaymba," he said.

"We've set up structures to ensure that any commercial success of the project benefits Richard, the community, and respects the intellectual property of the story."

Through Julaymba, PHORIA aims to foster deeper connections between people and the Daintree Rainforest, educating audiences about the deep cultural bonds Indigenous communities have with their land.

"It's more than just a VR experience," says Uncle Richard.

"It's a medium that can change the narrative and make people aware of the true history of this country."