94 Elements

94 Elements is a global, collaborative filmmaking project exploring our use of the 94 naturally occurring elements, from hydrogen to plutonium. The project frames the elements as our finite natural resources, rather than as science. Different filmmakers each take one element as the basis for a short film exploring its use.

Helios developed a user interface based on the atomic table and introduced the concept of artificial scarcity – each film can only be viewed a finite amount of times. The actual amount corresponds to the scarcity of the element in question. The films can however be “recycled” by sharing them on social media.

The idea behind the project is to explore our exploitation, (mis)management and use of our natural resources.  As well the social and environmental consequences of mining, there are now real concerns about how we’re using them up.

The stories of the elements are intimately connected to the stories of our own lives and reveal our relationships with our resources and the patterns of our economies. They are the untold stories of our physical existence. 94 Elements explores our lives through the lens of the elements.