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Remember Tigray VR

Remember Tigray VR is an urgently needed Virtual Reality experience that exposes the harrowing realities of the Tigray Genocide and the weaponization of rape as a tool of war in Ethiopia. It is the first immersive documentary to capture these atrocities using a 360-degree camera, transported into the region in February 2023.

Co-created by Matthew Niederhauser, John Fitzgerald, and Ryan D'Souza, the film is a call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and accountability for the Tigray genocide, as well as support for all survivors of sexual violence. Filmed by Ethiopian cinematographers Tedros Gebreabzgi and Fetsum B. Woldearegay, the project highlights life before, during, and after the conflict. The script, written by Dr. Charlotte Touati and Meareg Tewolde, centers on Mahlet, a Tigrayan survivor of sexual violence, showcasing her profound story of trauma, resilience, and hope.

Through this immersive experience, Remember Tigray VR seeks to evoke empathy, amplify the voices of survivors, and advocate for global justice. The documentary has been showcased in prominent venues, including the U.S. Congress and UK Parliament, and has reached key decision-makers in Nairobi, Ottawa, and beyond, ensuring that the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Tigray remains at the forefront of global discussions. Remember Tigray VR was produced by Sensorium and Upstream XR.

US Congress 11th September 2023

U.S. Congress

On September 11, 2023, Remember Tigray VR premiered at the U.S. Congress in an event hosted by Representative Sara Jacobs and organized in collaboration with Amnesty International USA and the Open Society Foundations.

The VR experience offered a vivid portrayal of the atrocities in Tigray, deeply moving policymakers, including members of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee and the National Security Council. Representative Sara Jacobs reflected:

“It was incredibly moving, heartbreaking, and compelling to witness the aftermath of the war in Tigray and what Ethiopians have endured. This experience is vital to understanding what has happened so we can recommit to ending the violence and ensuring justice, accountability, and peace.”

The event underscored the human suffering and long-term impacts of the conflict, renewing calls for justice, accountability, and peace. Key officials praised the project for keeping the Tigray crisis in the global spotlight, emphasizing its value as a tool for advocacy and awareness.

UK Parliament

On December 9, 2024, Genocide Prevention Day, Remember Tigray VR was showcased at an event hosted by Lord Alton in the House of Lords. The event provided parliamentarians, government officials, and invited guests with an opportunity to experience the VR documentary through a 10-minute immersive session.

The evening also featured testimonies from survivors, including Mahlet and cinematographer Tedros G. Belay, alongside insights from Remember Tigray VR Director Ryan D'Souza and scriptwriter Dr. Charlotte Touati, as well as speeches from members of the House of Lords and MPs, such as Lord Des Browne and Rosie Duffield MP.

This gathering served as a pivotal call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and support for survivors of sexual violence in Tigray and across Ethiopia. By amplifying Mahlet's story, the event fostered dialogue on accountability and reconciliation.

In its conclusion, attendees agreed to establish an all-party parliamentary group dedicated to regularly addressing issues related to Tigray, ensuring continued focus and advocacy for the region.

Hampton School

On December 6, 2024, Remember Tigray VR was showcased at Hampton School to over 20 students studying human rights, genocide prevention, and global issues. The immersive 10-minute VR experience provided students with a firsthand perspective on the atrocities committed during the Tigray Genocide.

The session featured a discussion led by Remember Tigray VR Director Ryan D'Souza and cinematographer Tedros G. Belay, a Tigrayan survivor. Together, they shed light on the current situation in Tigray and the critical steps needed to prevent future atrocities.

Following the screening, students expressed their solidarity by writing messages of support for Mahlet, the survivor featured in the VR experience, and the broader Tigrayan community.

This event fostered awareness and empathy, encouraging the next generation to engage deeply with issues of justice and human rights advocacy.