Documentary VR project on gender violence, 2019

Commissioned by Oxfam, Vidimo-Nevidimo was envisioned as a pivotal component of their comprehensive initiative to address and prevent gender-based violence. This groundbreaking project sought to evoke empathy, ignite meaningful discussions, and inspire collective reflection on this urgent issue.

At its heart were five immersive scenarios, meticulously crafted after in-depth research into real-life accounts of gender-based violence. Filmed in 360-degree format with a raw, unfiltered aesthetic inspired by Lars von Trier’s Dogme 95, these scenes blurred the line between viewer and participant, amplifying the emotional impact. The choice to design the experience for the Oculus Go ensured accessibility, making the project both innovative and inclusive.

Participants, drawn from diverse walks of life, experienced these scenarios as if the violence was directed at them. This intimate perspective fostered profound emotional connections, offering a glimpse into the lived realities of those affected by such violence and cultivating a deeper sense of empathy.

The project extended beyond the VR headset into public spaces, where screenings and discussions paired the virtual content with a documentary capturing participants' reactions. These gatherings often sparked intense emotional responses — from empathy and understanding to resistance and introspection — encouraging audiences to confront the realities of gender-based violence and their own perceptions of it. 

Through a powerful synergy of technology, storytelling, and public engagement, Vidimo-Nevidimo transformed abstract statistics into visceral, human stories, calling for action and understanding in equal measure.