Get inside the minds of first-time travelers in this new documentary

Traveling to a new place takes us out of our comfort zone and helps us get a new perspective on our life back home. 

But nothing is quite as transformative as your very first trip to a new country. The highs of new sights, smells, people, foods, and experiences leave you changed in a way that’s hard to describe. 

Inner Portrait, a new documentary from Turkish Airlines and media artist Refik Anadol, helps us visualize and articulate the change we feel when traveling, backed by data and technology. It first premiered at Istanbul’s Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) several months ago, and is currently available to stream on Hulu. Here are just a few reasons to catch it. 

Get inspired by four first-time travelers

Inner Portrait features four diverse first-time travelers: Tuikuru, a Brazilian native of the Amazon, who explores the vibrant streets of Tokyo; Esther from Kenya, who uncovers the rich history of Istanbul; Sahar, an Australian, who delves into the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe and Cappadocia in Turkey; and Sigurbjörn from Iceland, who discovers the breathtaking beauty of Jordan.

See how travel changes the brain

This documentary does more than capture these first-time travelers’ experiences. It uses advanced tech like EEG sensors, and Empatica Watches to capture every feeling and reaction as data points. 

Refik Anadol and his creative team transformed all this data into a beautiful art piece. The result is a stunning visual display that evokes a sense of awe, similar to what you feel when you travel.

Feel connected to the globe

Each first-time traveler featured in the documentary has a different life experience, and they embark on different trips. However, the data captured shows how their brains react to new experiences similarly as a timely reminder that we’re not so different. 

Ahmet Bolat, the Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, said, “[This documentary] highlights that traveling is not only a physical journey but […] also a profound experience that transforms a person’s inner world. As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we are committed to connecting the world through the universal language of art and culture.”

Watching Tuikuru, Esther, Sahar, and Sigurbjörn’s experiences will remind you not to take travel for granted, inviting viewers to prioritize their next adventure. 

Catch Inner Portrait on Hulu and visit Turkish Airlines to plan your next trip.