How can cinemas bring fresh audiences through their doors while spotlighting urgent global stories? The Child of Empire case study offers a compelling roadmap.
Commissioned by the Innovate UK Immersive Tech Network and Arts Council England, it traces the journey of a virtual reality documentary, from humble beginnings to international touring success.
If you're a cinema, arts venue or film club interested in exploring broader screen content, especially narrative virtual reality (VR), this case study offers timely, practical insights.
It follows the journey of a student-initiated VR project that grew into a critically acclaimed, internationally touring installation. Centred on personal stories from the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan, the project combined immersive technology, emotional storytelling, and grassroots determination.
Key takeaways
- How small teams can scale up immersive work with limited funding.
- Lessons in touring and exhibiting VR in museums, cathedrals, and heritage spaces, including staff training, audience aftercare, and equipment logistics.
- How venues used VR to spark new conversations on migration, identity, and memory, attracting diverse audiences who may not usually engage with traditional cinema.
A perfect read if you're looking to expand your venue's programming with meaningful, experiential content, or wondering what it really takes to create and host a VR experience.