We Met in Virtual Reality

Filmed entirely inside the world of virtual reality, this immersive and revealing documentary
roots itself in several unique communities within VRChat, a burgeoning virtual reality platform. Through observational scenes captured in real-time, in true documentary style, the film reveals the growing power and intimacy of several relationships formed in the virtual world, many of which began during the Covid-19 lockdown, while so many in the physical world were facing intense isolation. Although remaining wholly within the VR domain of avatars and imagined worlds, the film has the same elements of humor, serendipitous interactions and unexpected events that characterise documentary films made in real life. We Met in Virtual Reality tenderly documents the stories of people experiencing love, loss, and unexpected connection, expressing vulnerability around mental health struggles and questions about identity, offering a hyper real journey into the human experience of an online world that may soon shape the future.

This is the first feature documentary filmed inside social VR, which most people have no idea exists. Immersive technology is growing exponentially, and in a very similar fashion to the early stages of the internet, those at the forefront are progressive indie communities creating the spaces and cultures that will shape the future. This film will stand to recognise the underrepresented and globally diverse people who are experimenting this newreality through a heartfelt and immersive journey. On a general note, this documentary needs to be seen for audiences to understand the social impacts of VR, to help nurture a positive attitude for its future. However, this film is not directly about VR technology. It is a film about contemporary online relationships, identity and community, which are themes anyone can connect with regardless of the VR context. I want people to leave this film feeling grounded into reality and inspired to embrace their own individuality. I have a great personal attachment to telling this story. I have been passionately documenting and filmmaking inside VRChat since 2018, and over lockdown VR quickly became my social life as well. All my treasured memories over the past year are with friends and communities there, most made whilst shooting for this feature film.

PRODUCTION 1: Joe Hunting – Painted Clouds Ltd
Tel. +44 07718651133
joeahunting@gmail.com
http://www.joeahunting.com

PRESS OFFICE: Asheba Edghill – HBO
asheba.edghill@warnermedia.com
wmivr_prteam@brigademarketing.com