J9 is an interactive, computational video project by Julian Konczak that reimagines narrative journeys through database-driven storytelling. The project was rooted in an exploration of how the burgeoning possibilities of interactive television could be realised, using custom browser-based software to deliver a responsive visual experience. At its core is a single nine-minute structure based on the hero’s journey, accessed through a virtual ticketing interface in which users select a point of departure and are offered a multi-destination itinerary. This mechanism transforms narrative choice into a metaphorical travel experience, exploring the idea that different destinations can feel inherently similar and that the sensation of travel is ultimately an internal psychological experience rather than one defined by physical movement. The video material adopts a neutral, observational camera style that allows faces and environments to emerge without overt direction, reinforcing the project’s focus on intuitive, self-guided interpretation. J9 operates simultaneously as an artwork and a research inquiry into computational narrative, demonstrating how interactive systems, user agency, and non-linear sequencing can open new pathways for immersive video experiences across a variety of gallery and screen-based contexts.
A PDF of the Exhibition Catalogue is available here.
Below is a walk-through of the computational video content:
The work toured internationally and featured in numerous digital art festivals.
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