We have some important news to share with you. Today, on the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court revoking Roe v Wade on June 24th 2022, a dark day for America, we are proud to announce the public release of The Choice VR on AppLab Meta store, absolutely free for everyone to access.
As the director of this groundbreaking project, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the people who have supported us on this journey. Your encouragement, feedback, and unwavering belief in the power of our approach to VR documentary storytelling have been the driving force behind The Choice.
In the first episode, which spans 25 minutes, viewers will meet Kristen, a young Native American woman from Austin, Texas. Kristen's story is one of dreams and aspirations to raise a family, but she finds herself entangled in a painful and dehumanizing system. The immersive experience provides an introductory map and timeline that sheds light on the legal and political context restricting Kristen's choices. The title, The Choice, carries a double meaning, symbolizing the actual choices women make and the unfortunate denial of their freedom to choose.
The Choice is an interactive journey that not only highlights the significance of personal choice but also inspires viewers to recognize their own power to effect change. We believe that true empowerment lies in understanding our capacity to shape the world around us.
We've been overwhelmed by the incredibly emotional and powerful reactions from people around the world who have witnessed Kristen's story. The impact has been nothing short of transformative. Through the unique medium of VR, we aimed to forge an intimate bond between the audience and Kristen, fostering empathy and understanding. By immersing viewers in her world, we hope to challenge preconceived notions and spark meaningful conversations about abortion and reproductive rights.
Our festival run has been truly remarkable, with premiere at IDFA in November 2021 and numerous accolades, including the Audience Award at SXSW and Best XR for Impact at Games for Change. It was also an honor to be nominated for the Best Immersive Experience: Non-Fiction at the Canadian Screen Awards, as well as being finalists in esteemed awards like the Auggie Awards by AWEXR, VR Awards by AIXR and VR Days, The XR Must Awards, and Best Original Score for Interactive Media at Canadian Screen Music Awards.
While we have several more events lined up, we felt that today, this important day, is the best moment to make The Choice available to the public. We must always remember that our rights are not guaranteed and that we must stand together to protect them.
Now, I want to extend an invitation to all of you. If you have a festival, event, meeting, or activation where The Choice can be screened, please reach out to us. We would be thrilled to see this project contribute to your cause, spark conversations, and create change. We've witnessed firsthand the profound impact this experience has on people, and we want to share it with as many individuals as possible.
Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond Kristen's story. We have already filmed additional episodes that delve into other powerful narratives. However, to bring these stories to life, we need your support. We are actively working on closing our budget, and once we achieve that, we can introduce you to even more inspiring storytellers. Kristen's journey is just one among many, and we are eager to showcase the depth and diversity of these experiences.
Together, let's use The Choice as a catalyst for progress. Let's continue the conversation, drive change, and empower individuals to take action. This is our collective opportunity to shape a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Stay connected, stay engaged, and let's make a difference together.
Love,
Joanne