Virtual Reality Lab
Since 2017, the Virtual Reality Lab has created immersive documentaries in partnership with cultural organizations locally and globally. Projects include the ongoing documentation of the Kalobeyei refugee settlement in Kenya and the award-winning documentary series The Heart of Puerto Rico. Partner institutions include FilmAid Kenya, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Penn Museum, the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Puerto Rico. Penn students have participated in the lab as part of spring semester coursework and on projects during summers. Starting in spring 2023, the VR Lab will be working with the Penn Museum to document the restoration of its Egyptian galleries.
The Heart of Puerto Rico (2018)
A 13-episode virtual reality documentary series amplifying the voices of artists in Puerto Rico. Directed by Peter Decherney and Jean Lee, with support from Penn students. Funded in part by the Flamboyan Foundation. The film won the award for best virtual reality experience at the AT&T film awards.
Penn Museum
Continuing the global and local work of the VR Lab, Penn students are currently partnering with the Penn Museum to document the restoration and re-installation of the university’s Egyptian galleries.
Film topics will include: Archive, Conservation, Curation, Global Guide Program
Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC)
The immigrant and refugee support organization SEAMAAC owns a food truck, dubbed SoPhIE (South Philly East), that they lend to refugees who want to start food businesses in the Philadelphia area. In 2018, students in the Virtual Reality Lab teamed up with SEAMAAC to tell the story of two couples who use the truck to cater events and launch food supply businesses. The 360 film gives a view into a day in the life of the truck and the people who use it.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PGDI has worked on projects in collaboration with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with topics including: the Hindu Temple, the Chinese Palace, and Duchamp’s Fountain.
