Multisensory Cinema: How We Created a Fragrance for “Whispers in the Woods” at MDAG

During the Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival, Alba1913 will present a project that adds another sensory dimension to the cinematic experience. For the multisensory screening of “Whispers in the Woods / Pieśni Lasu”, directed by Vincent Munier, we have created an exclusive blend of essential oils.

For us, this is a natural direction of development – bringing together the worlds of nature, emotions and experiences. When creating the fragrance for “Whispers in the Woods / Pieśni Lasu”, we didn't want to simply illustrate what appears on screen. Our goal was to deepen the viewer's experience by adding a layer that works on an intuitive level. Our starting point was the forest – its textures and atmosphere: damp earth and moss, resin and wood, and fresh, cool air. From these elements, we developed a fragrance that accompanies the audience throughout the screening and enhances the cinematic experience without overpowering the visuals or music.

Multisensory cinema engages several senses simultaneously. Alongside sight and sound, fragrance introduces an additional dimension – one that works quickly and directly, influencing emotions and memory. In practice, this means that viewers don't just watch a film; they experience it, while the cinema itself becomes part of the storytelling. A growing body of research suggests that natural plant-derived substances may support relaxation, reduce tension and improve concentration. When developing this fragrance, we wanted to recreate precisely this experience – the feeling of being immersed in a forest environment.

We have been exploring the role of fragrance as part of an experience for years, including through Alba1913's collaboration with PURO Hotels. In hotel spaces, fragrance creates an atmosphere, shapes how guests perceive their surroundings and leaves a lasting impression. We have brought these same principles into the world of cinema, treating fragrance as an integral part of the narrative.

We are passionate about creating experiences that bring together art, nature, space and emotions. By developing a fragrance for “Whispers in the Woods”, we wanted to invite audiences to experience the film more fully – engaging more than just sight and hearing. Because some stories deserve to be experienced with all the senses.

Explore the festival program HERE.