Umfula VR -
Community Screenings
Bringing Conservation to Life Through Immersive Storytelling
VR Capture has spent over three years developing Umfula – Echoes of the River, a 360º immersive VR film that follows the journey of the Umfolozi River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This passion project was designed not only to showcase the beauty and challenges of the river but also to raise awareness about environmental conservation in a way that deeply resonates with audiences.
Project Overview
From the very beginning, our goal was to bring this VR experience back to the communities where we filmed. With support from the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package (PESP) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), we developed a pre-release version of the film and launched a community screening campaign.
We assembled a large team from across KwaZulu-Natal, providing training on how to use VR headsets, ensuring that the technology could be effectively introduced to rural audiences. Our screenings allowed communities to see what lies upstream and downstream, creating a powerful connection between people and their environment.
Execution
The screening journey followed the river itself, starting from its source in Vryheid and ending at the sea in St Lucia, passing through Nzamagamandla (Nongoma), Hlabisa, Somkhele, and Sokhulu. Along the way, we were welcomed by local leaders and conservation advocates, including Israel Nkosi, Thanda Zulu, Abe Nzuza, Zama Mbonombi, Sbusiso Mthembu, and Stacey Van Wyk, who helped us connect with their communities.
For many attendees, this was their first time experiencing VR, and the reactions were priceless. People were amazed to see their own landscapes, wildlife, and water sources in a fully immersive format. The experience was not just entertaining but also deeply educational, allowing communities to engage with environmental issues in a way that felt personal and urgent.
Results & Impact
The Umfula VR screenings did more than just showcase nature—they sparked conversations. The project:
✔ Facilitated community discussions about conservation and water protection.
✔ Connected organizations and local leaders, fostering collaboration.
✔ Introduced VR to rural communities, expanding access to new technology.
✔ Gathered valuable feedback through surveys, refining our approach.
By bringing immersive technology to villages, we created an emotional and educational experience that made people reflect on their role in protecting their natural resources.
Conclusion
This project would not have been possible without the support of PESP and NFVF, whose backing enabled us to combine storytelling, technology, and conservation awareness in a way that truly made an impact. Umfula VR is more than a film—it’s a movement towards a deeper appreciation and understanding of nature conservation.