Umfula VR -
Community Screenings

Bringing Conservation to Life Through Immersive Storytelling

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Umfula – Echoes of the River is a 360º immersive VR film developed over three years by Director Telmo dos Reis (VR Capture) and Producer Cheryl Tickett (Light & Lion). The film follows the journey of the uMfolozi River in KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting environmental challenges and the importance of conservation.

With support from the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package (PESP) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), a pre-release version was taken back to the communities along the river for a mobile VR screening campaign.

The screenings travelled from Vryheid to St Lucia, engaging communities in Nongoma, Hlabisa, Somkhele, and Sokhulu. Local leaders and conservation advocates supported the initiative, helping connect the project to residents along the river system.

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More than a film, Umfula became a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and increased awareness of environmental stewardship — using immersive technology to bring conservation closer to the communities it affects most.

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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.​