Historical Adventure VR Experience

Vision Statement:

As a producer, writer, and director, my vision is to create immersive storytelling experiences that enable people to understand the transformative history of the Swahili Coast. By leveraging cutting-edge technology of Virtual Reality, I aim to illustrate the pivotal journey from the 8th-century trade interactions with the Middle East and India to the 16th-century Portuguese conquest, highlighting the shift from European exploration and trade to the onset of European imperialism.

Synopsis:

Msofe, a resident of a coastal Tanzanian town, is grappling with the loss of a vital medicinal herb crucial for curing his ailing daughter. His journey begins at the entrance of an ancient cave, where Msofe receives a call from a traditional healer (Oracle). The Oracle makes the user embrace Msofe’s identity and purpose, guided by the wisdom of their ancestors. Fueled by the urgent quest to find the medicinal herb, Saumu, and save his daughter, Msofe ventures deeper into the cave.

Inside, you will discover a series of ancient paintings depicting the vibrant history of the Swahili coast. These artworks possess a mysterious spiritual energy, complemented by explainer animations narrated by ancestors about the early trade activities between the Swahili coast, the Middle East, and India. These lucrative trade routes initially attracted European explorers, particularly the Portuguese, who aimed to dominate the trade. As their influence expanded, they sent numerous ships to transport valuable treasures such as ivory, gold, and spices. The narration highlights the significance of one such heritage site: the sunken Portuguese ship, the Ventura Cruz shipwreck, where the precious herb Saumu, integral to the ancient trade, may still be discovered.

After the explainer animation, the cave opens a portal that transports the user to the underwater world where the shipwreck is located. In this underwater space, you will meet Lumba, a wise and playful octopus sent by ancestors to guide you. Together, you navigate through vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish, exploring the remnants of the shipwreck. Among the artifacts, you discover a map left behind by the Portuguese, part of the Treaty of Tordesillas. Lumba explains the history of Portuguese conquest along the Swahili coast and other Indian Ocean shores, illustrating how Portugal's exploration led to the dawn of imperialism, influencing other European powers. The narration and 3D visualizations vividly depict the importance of spices in the trade, inspiring you to assist Msofe in finding the herb within the shipwreck.

Festivals & Awards

• Nomination for the AIXR Social Impact Award at the VR Awards, Rotterdam 2024
• Nomination for the FAK' UGESI Award,Tanzania 2024