THE IMAGINARY FRIEND

The Art Department Eindhoven 2024

Imagine being imaginary! Experience the unique strengths of VR and enter the imaginative world of an eight-year-old boy, Daniel. Interact, bond and fight off monsters together, even help him brave the loss of his mother, but be wary… As you build a unique relationship, the child slowly but surely disconnects from reality.

With its unique point of view in storytelling and the latest technical developments in VR, The Imaginary Friend presents an intimate experience unmatched in the VR landscape

The Imaginary Friend was written and directed by interdisciplinary artist Steye Hallema. He directed the world’s first 360° music video. For his VR production ASHES TO ASHES, Steye won a Golden VR Award. He is also the mastermind behind The Smartphone Orchestra – a groundbreaking experience using the mobile phones of audience members in order to create innovative interactions and magical collective moments. The outcomes are often deeply engaging offering profound insights through energising play.

The Imaginary Friend was produced by Studio Biarritz. Founded by Corine Meijers in 2019, the studio is now an established production house that specialises in audiovisual projects that cross borders. Studio Biarritz develops its own projects, but also loves collaborating with filmmakers, artists and partners from all over the world to produce stories with a lot of heart that are relevant for our trying times.