SUF: a Journey of the Reef
Medium: VR
Creator: Roy Kimhi
Directors: Noam Karutchi, Roy Kimhi
World (Unity) and Interaction Design: Noam Karutchi
360 Editing: Yonatan Manevich
Cinematography: Barak Brinker
Production: One Atmosphere
“SUF: a Journey on the Reef” is an interactive virtual reality (VR) experience in which the participant joins a female Red Sea bannerfish named Suf in the search for her mate who disappeared on the night of a great coral spawning. As the adventure unfolds, the experience weaves interactive moments of searching, discovery, and a profound connection on the reef—where Suf’s companionship mirrors the unbreakable bond we have with the ocean.
The Work Process
This project was built in Unity from the ground up, shaping both the environments and the narrative as one evolving process. It combines 360 video with real-time 3D elements, allowing the virtual space to respond to and extend the filmed material.
A big part of the work was exploring how interactions should feel - starting from rough ideas, moving through quick prototypes, and constantly testing and refining based on user experience. I worked with hand tracking to create simple, intuitive gestures that feel natural and support the story rather than distract from it.
Alongside that, I focused on keeping everything optimized for standalone VR, making sure the experience runs smoothly without compromising its visual and emotional impact.
