The Stigma Machine - Episode 1

The Stigma Machine is a fictional virtual reality production that tries to inspire empathy and put the viewer in the shoes of another person by utilizing the techniques of this medium. Designed as a virtual reality (VR) film, it tackles the problem of social stigma by utilizing the virtual film format as a prosocial tool that can increase audience awareness and encourage supportive behaviors in relation to contentious issues in modern society, such as tolerance and respect for diversity in the LGBTIQA+ community. It is a VR movie divided into four episodes where the viewer assumes the role of the protagonist and is immersed in some of his most significant experiences relating to his same-sex attraction in his youth, adulthood, and later years from the perspective of the social stigma rooted in the heteronormative context. Thus, in four various scenarios, the viewer is put in the shoes of the main character, interacting in virtual settings that can result in a personified immersive experience. 

Here is the first of The Stigma Machine's four virtual reality episodes, which viewers enter via occupying a location designed as a virtual installation that replicates the sets for each of the work's acts.

This VR Film experience was a part of the research project: The role of virtual reality audiovisual narratives in social inclusion and the perspective of prosocial models: Analysis of their characteristics, effects and impact on young university students—CAS21/00560. This work was supported and funded by a José Castillejo grant from the Spanish Ministerio de Universidades under the State Program for the Promotion of Talent and its Employability in R+D+I, State Mobility Subprogram, of the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2017–2020.