Kiya

Every day, three women in the United States die as a direct result of domestic violence. To put it less euphemistically, they are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. tells the story of two sisters in South Carolina who want to protect their younger sister from her violent husband. mixes virtual and harsh reality: while the images are game-style computer animations, the audio consists of recorded phone conversations between the sisters and 911 operators. This storytelling technique makes the viewer a witness to the events in and around the victim’s home – sometimes you might feel like you’re a little too close for comfort. Director Nonny de la Peña is an experienced reporter known to some as the godmother of virtual reality journalism. Her work explores how the use of space in a narrative can influence the experience. The viewer’s first-person perspective triggers empathy and an intense sense of connection with the characters. In this way, De la Peña hopes to raise awareness of the global problem of domestic violence.