Nearly four years ago, Maya Shekel submitted a VR project called Eddie and I – an interactive animated experience about Ron, an 8-year-old deaf boy who’s nervous about his first camping trip. We won’t give away any spoilers, but we will say there’s a special character who helps him face his fears, and that you, the users, will also pick up a few basic signs in sign language along the way.
At the end of our annual professional workshop for new media projects 2022, Shekel received a development and production grant. She later presented the project at the co-production market at the NewImages Festival 2023, where it won the prestigious Development Market Prize (competing against 45 other creators!). Shekel didn’t stop there, and while producing the experience, she continued to seek additional funding, and presented the project at the Tribeca Film Festival (Creators Market) and the Venice Film Festival (Venice Production Bridge).
And now it’s happening – Eddie and I is complete and will soon have its international premiere at the Venice Biennale, as part of the official international competition for immersive works!
The journey this project has taken is both moving and inspiring. We wish Maya the very best as she continues on with this remarkable work ❤️🥂
To read more about Eddie and I click here