Breathe – Immersive Virtual Reality documentary 360° film

My immersive documentary, “Breathe,” will soon be showcased at the XR Distribution Market during the New Images Festival in Paris (April 9-11, 2025), after its presentation at the MIA International Audiovisual Market festival in Rome, Italy (October 2024).

“Breathe” is a gentle, immersive VR documentary capturing a family’s emotional journey with premature twins, aiming to raise awareness, inspire hope, and educate viewers about prematurity. Intended for a broad audience, it appeals particularly to those seeking deeper understanding and sensitivity regarding premature birth. Currently, it is best experienced through a VR headset to achieve maximum impact.

As a 360° cinematographer, I initially recorded these intensely personal moments during 2019, not with the intention of making a film, but because I feared losing my premature twin sons, Nathanaël and Maxime, who were born at only 27 weeks of gestation. I wanted something tangible to hold onto, a memory preserved through imagery.

Throughout the three and a half months spent in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a Paris hospital, the act of filming provided me with comfort, grounding me in an incredibly challenging situation. Two years later, when I finally had the courage to revisit the footage stored on my computer, I recognized the profound emotional power in these 360° images. It became clear to me that sharing our story could not only help other families experiencing similar struggles but also support associations dedicated to premature babies and educational initiatives.

Taking four years to complete, “Breathe” was generously supported by the Makor Foundation for Israeli Films, which provided funding of 100,000 Shekel (NIS).

The final 17-minute immersive VR documentary combines authentic real-life footage with advanced CGI, available in English and French voiceovers.

“Breathe” seeks to shine a light on the hidden complexities of premature birth and demonstrates the unique ability of immersive VR storytelling to deeply connect viewers with human experiences. It is truly a VR for impact experience, created with great care and sensitivity. While it places viewers within the hospital atmosphere, it intentionally avoids hard or distressing images, ensuring the experience remains gentle yet impactful.

I am incredibly grateful to my dedicated team, whose collaboration and support were essential in bringing this deeply personal and meaningful project to fruition. Today, Nathanaël and Maxime, who will soon turn six, are thriving, marking a hopeful outcome to our extraordinary journey.