Directly inspired by real events, this new co-production by France tv StoryLab once again defends its commitment and raison d'être: harnessing new immersive technologies to tell impactful stories and addressing pressing societal issues. This commitment and editorial choices have consistently been praised by critics, resulting in numerous awards won at festivals—and Maya, the birth (Chapter 1) is no exception!
Using immersion as a medium to denounce the stigmas of our societies
In this new virtual reality work, we invite you to follow Tara, a London teenager who faces harassment at school because of her menstrual cycle. She meets Maya, a young woman who becomes a superheroine empowered by her menstruation. Maya, who is Nepalese, comes from a region where young women are forced into exile during their first menstruation because their menstrual blood is considered impure. During this forced exile, known as "chhaupadi," which, despite its explicit criminalization by the Nepalese state, remains prevalent in certain regions, women are often subjected to assault, rape, and even murder.
Behind this original and modern fiction lies a persistent reality: the stigmatization and ostracization of women, especially young girls, during their menstruation, even in Western societies. For example, in the United States, discussing the topic has recently been banned in schools before the age of 12. As a result of the stigmatization they face, these young girls are often victims of bullying, a topic that is unfortunately still prevalent today. The VR work aims to break taboos and, most importantly, the shame experienced by young teenagers.
Maya, the birth (Chapter 1) is the story of every girl. It tells the tale of a trajectory and the transition into adulthood for a young girl. It is the story of Maya, who encounters her own superheroine during her menstruation. Maya embarks on an initiatory journey, and to do so, she must first be among those who judge menstruating girls and bear the weight of society's judgments and preconceived notions in order to confront them, fight against them, and triumph over them. This story and theme, still taboo in the 21st century, have a profound impact on the young adult audience we aim to reach. It aligns with our mission of public service and the projects we passionately defend. Co-producing Blood Speaks is absolutely essential today.
We invite you to discover the testimonies of Poulomi Basu, author and director, and CJ Clarke, director of Blood Speaks:
To serve their message and the societal ambition of their work, the authors and directors have conceived and developed it across multiple mediums. Thus, a VR experience and a short film will be made available, with the latter being broadcast on our channels.
This synergy between France tv StoryLab and the short films department is something we hope to continue!
Chapter 1 of the VR experience will be presented in June at a major New York festival which is being...
Maya, the birth (Chapter 1) receives Special mention from the Jury at Tribeca !
At the Tribeca Film Festival, indeed! :)
The work, which will not be available to the public in French until spring 2024, was selected for official competition in the 'New Voices' category at the 22nd edition of the major New York festival, but it was another highly prestigious prize that went to Blood Speaks!
After careful consideration, the jury would like to give a special mention to a project that found an imaginative way to tell an everyday story in a vivid world. Presenting a shift in perspective, the project opens new imaginaries with under-told narratives. This project left us on a hook and the jury is excited to see its next steps and continued development.
It's a source of great pride for the entire team who helped bring this committed experience to fruition!
The festival was also an opportunity for visitors to test the experience, and here's what they had to say about it :)
Other sign of recognition within the cultural sphere, Blood Speaks won the CNC-FIPADOC Impact Campaign, which supports the production of socially engaged documentaries.
We will provide you with more information about this work that we believe is of public utility very soon!
