about
Imagine witnessing a tragic incident from multiple perspectives – stepping into the shoes of everyone affected.
This is the power of immersive film, allowing you to empathise with the experience of another and perhaps even change your personal view.
Knife crimes have increased in the UK by 80% since 2014 and are at the highest number since comparable data began to be collected. One in four victims are men aged 18-24 and 25% of victims are Black. Virtually There allows viewers to experience reality for the people behind the statistics.
Virtually There is an immersive 360-degree film that aims to build an emotional understanding of the devastating impact of knife crime amongst young people.
The idea for the project was based on the experience of director Leon Oldstrong, whose younger brother was the victim of an unprovoked knife attack in 2017, during which he was stabbed seven times. Luckily, Leon’s brother survived the attack. This event spurred Leon to create films which tackled the subject of youth violence, including the documentary “That’s Not Ours” (2018) which details the aftermath of his brother’s attack, and the recent fictional short “Fair Trade” (2019), which explores issues of gang grooming and drug use.
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TESTIMONIALS
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“Virtually There shows the consequences, both physical and emotional, in a lived experience, rather than simply being told. Knowing and experiencing are very different, and the impact of the two are worlds apart! Viewing this VR film lets young people experience this reality, rather than having professionals and other adults tell them about it.”
KATIE / RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WORKER / ADOLESCENT SERVICES
“Virtually There is very up to date and relatable for the young people I work with – visually (clothing) but also the language the young people use. I feel the young people I work with would really relate to these two actors (the victim and perpetrator) a lot more than other knife crime videos I have seen.”
ANTHONY / PASTORAL SUPPORT / DEPTFORD GREEN SECONDARY SCHOOL
“Virtually There counteracts negative stereotypes in many ways, not least in the way that it almost frames violence as a public health issue, violence must be addressed in the context of inequality and through this authentic educational resource, educators can start to unpack identity, community and power.”
SERA SHORTLAND / HEAD OF CITIZENSHIP / NEW COLLEGE LEICESTER
“Virtually There is the most realistic depiction of the impact and after-effects of knife crime that I’ve experienced. From the initial attack to the emotional rollercoaster that the victim, his family and the perpetrator go through. Virtually There gives you a literal 360° perspective of the ramifications of youth violence.”
BEN LINDSAY / CEO / POWER THE FIGHT