Log line

An immersive journey into the unseen reality of endometriosis and what it’s like to fight an invisible battle within your own body.

Synopsis

Ursula is an animated virtual reality documentary that explores the lived experience of endometriosis through embodied storytelling. You enter a symbolic world inspired by this systemic inflammatory disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, potentially causing pain, fatigue and damage to multiple organs. Guided by the Guardian, protector of the Body Temple, you explore a series of interconnected organ shrines: uterus, lungs, bowel, urinary tract and, eventually, the brain. Through real testimonies, exploration and interaction, you uncover the physical and emotional realities of the condition, including its impact on mental health and the different ways people learn to cope. Your journey culminates in a confrontation with Ursula, the embodiment of this chronic illness, before reaching the Garden of Hope, a space for reflection and shared messages of support. Drawing on director Comfort Arthur’s own experience of living with stage 4 endometriosis, Ursula invites empathy, reflection and a deeper understanding of an often invisible condition.

How does it work?

Ursula is a 30-minute interactive animated documentary experienced through a virtual reality (VR) headset.

Unlike watching a film on a screen, participants find themselves inside a three-dimensional animated world, where they can look around, explore and interact with their surroundings.

The experience uses a Meta Quest 3, a portable, wireless, battery-powered headset that doesn’t require a computer or cables. This makes it possible to bring Ursula to festivals, museums, community spaces and educational events.

We are also exploring the use of haptics, wearable technology (e.g. a vest) that creates gentle physical sensations, such as vibrations or pressure. During prototyping, we will explore how these sensations, alongside sound and body positioning, could help communicate aspects of living with endometriosis, while testing their effectiveness, comfort and accessibility with participants.

Why use VR and haptics to explore Endometrosis?

Endometriosis is often misunderstood, partly because many of its symptoms and effects are invisible to others.

Through immersive storytelling, Ursula aims to:

Bring personal testimonies to life through animated environments and interactions.
Explore the physical and emotional impact of living with a chronic condition.
Encourage understanding and conversations between patients, healthcare professionals and the wider public.
Create an experience that can be accompanied by discussions, educational resources and awareness activities.

Our aim is not to simulate the pain of endometriosis, but to offer audiences a different perspective on what living with the condition can involve.

Potential collaboration and scope

The project is in late development and was selected to be part of Future Proof Development Lab with BFI Doc Society + FACT. In addition, it has been awarded a RAD development fund by the BFI Doc Society. We intend to develop a early, playable version of Ursula, exploring its storytelling, interactions and sensory elements before moving into full production for our target completion in summer 2028.

We are currently looking for:

technical partners, collaborators (haptics, interaction design, e-textiles, prototyping engineer

& distribution opportunities

Contact

Emilie Dubois (producer): ursula.vrfilm@gmail.com

Comfort Arthur (director): thecomfystudio@gmail.com

URSULA

A VR DOCUMENTARY BY COMFORT ARTHUR

Concept Art of Uterus shrine

Concept Art of Body Temple

LFF Industry Expanded