This docu-short directed by Tucker Walsh of m ss ng p eces for clean water charity WATERisLIFE (WiL) out of agency Deutsch shows how the Hidden Dangers VR experience is making people aware of bacteria, chemicals and other invisible perils in the water they use. The educational VR game is part of a campaign which supports fundraising efforts, helping to drive clean water initiatives and distribution of clean water filtration straws around the world.
The docu-short was shot on location in Thailand. The film centers around a young girl named Wanjai, who lives in a small village about a 15-minute boat ride away from the town of Sangkhlaburi, on the Khao Laem River. The river is vital to connecting villagers to larger towns where children can go to school, and providing water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning—but it is often dirty. The docu-short provides a glimpse into Wanjai’s life on the river, follows her journey as she and her classmates progress through the VR game, and as WiL representatives distribute water filtration straws to villagers, a key step toward safer water.
Director Walsh noted, “Working with Wanjai to tell her story and seeing her experience the VR game was truly a humbling and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The team from WATERisLIFE was amazing with community outreach and getting all the locals involved in this clean water initiative—and these are just the first building blocks of an ongoing program.”
Dan Kelleher, chief creative officer of Deutsch NY, thinks the project is pointing toward the future. “Hidden Dangers really shows the power VR has as a tool to both educate and inspire children’s imaginations from places all around the world. The docu-short is a beautiful piece that captures the real-life impact of WATERisLIFE’s mission. We’re honored to be part of this very important cause.”
