IN the eyes of faith : A Virtual Reality Documentary
Sit in the room and look into the eyes of the innocent who are affected overseas and listen to their story. We no longer get to turn our heads to what is happening. Three young burn victims and their mothers share of the war, recovery in America, and their hope and fear for the future of Syria, as they are set to return home. A virtual reality documentary featuring, 11-year old Mustafa, 8-year old Moath, and 6-year old Rema.
The Team
Director & Producer:
Ariana Victor
Cinematography:
Sofia Alvarez
VR Technology:
Sho Shrock
The Syrian Institute for Progress (SIP) is a Southern California based non-profit, dedicated to supporting, advancing, and protecting the civil and human rights of all people in Syria. They work to bring burn victims, up to 12 years in age, into the USA where them and their mother’s are housed sometimes over a year as they receive the proper treatment and surgeries at the Shriner’s Hospital in Galvenston, Texas.
Meet the children:
Mustafa
Eleven year old Mustafa was at a market with his dad when a barrel bomb hit a gas tank. The tank exploded and covered his body with gasoline, burning him from the neck down. Because of this, Mustafa was unable to fully lift his arms or turn his neck. On July 27th, he received another round of surgery in hopes to repair his range of movement.
When he grows up, Mustafa wants to be an engineer so he can rebuild Syria.
Moath
Eight year old Moath was at his house sitting with his family in the morning when the bomb hit. His parents tried to get the fire off his face but the damage was done. At the hospital in Syria they did not have good results, so like the other children, he was brought here to Shriner’s Hospital in Texas.
“I wish that Syria come back together to what it was, it was a beautiful country with beautiful houses. I wish that the people live in peace and stop the war.” – Moath
Rema
Six year old Rema was in her house, eating breakfast with her parents and brothers when the missile struck. Eighty percent of her body burned, including her face. Before surgery, Rema couldn’t even close her eyes due to the severity of the burns.
When Rema grows up she wants to be a doctor to do the surgeries and help all the girls and boys in the world.
“Virtual reality changes the way you think of YOURSELF, changes the way you think of others, and most importantly, changes The way you act.”
Laving up 6-year old Rema before an interview. 8mm- wide angle lens capture during VR production. Cinematography by Sofia Alvarez. (Galveston, TX. 2017)
For more information on the organization and how you can help, please visit: http://Syrianinstitute4progress.com