Two incredible SXSW Immersive XR Spotlight Experiences Studio Biarritz “Lacuna,” and “Lesbian Simulator” are making their International Premieres in the SXSW Spotlight section, led by two incredible female led creative teams from returning prolific immersive producer Corine Meijers, who lead the team for SXSW’s fascinating “Future Botanica” in 2025, 2024’s beloved “The Imaginary Friend” and 2023’s SXSW mind-blowing Sold-out spotlight experience “Symbiosis.
A production of Podium Biarritz in co-production with Copper Views & Studio Biarritz, a VR documentary by Maartje Wegdam & Nienke Huitenga Broeren and produced by Corine Meijers (“Future Botanica,” “The Imaginary Friend,” “Symbiosis”), “Lacuna,” (world premiered at the Cannes Film Festival’s Cannes Immersive in may) offers audiences an extraordinary emotional moving journey as you accompany Sonja through disjointed memories, elusive images and re-imaginations towards one moment of loss and grief during the Second World War. Combining conversations with Sonja, mesmerizing 3D modelling, animation and personal footage, “Lacuna”explores who we are in relation to who we were. Meanwhile you will find truth in imagination, beauty in the unknown and an act of unconditional love. “Lacuna” is meant to be both a remembrance project as well as a broader reflection on how our memories (as well as the lack of them) shape our identity. It reflects our search for new narrative forms, a new creative language and in pushing the boundaries of the documentary genre.
A Studio Biarritz production in coproduction with Art et Essai, created by Iris van der Meule and produced by Corine Meijers (“Future Botanica,” “The Imaginary Friend,” “Symbiosis”), “Lesbian Simulator” (which world premiered at IDFA) is an incredibly fun interactive virtual reality artwork and video game which will prompt users to experience the world from the perspective of a lesbian. While this artistic ode to love and sexual preference doesn’t shy away from tackling serious issues as well, such as the discrimination and abuse that lesbians still face today, you can expect an uplifting experience full of joy, humour and a touch of glitter! The immersiveness of VR raises awareness and enhance peoples sense of empathy. while giving the possibility to create worlds and experiences that reach as far as our own creativity. This creates new possibilities in how we tell stories and experience them. ‘Lesbian Simulator’ as a ‘simulation video game’ offers an interesting cross-over takes place between a socially relevant art work and a video game. The story of Lesbian Simulator starts even before the player gets into the VR headset with the physical installation. The installation has been created in collaboration with artist/designer Caboor to lure the audiences to see the experience and set the tone for the world they are about to step into.
The international premieres of these award winning experiences offer unique in-person SXSW experience slots from 11am-6pm at Fairmont Hotel on the 3rd floor (right next door to the former Austin Convention Center) daily beginning with the press & industry VIP preview on Saturday, March 14th and open to the public beginning Sunday, March 15th through Tuesday, March 17th. Further experience information and on-site location details below with each experience’s available time slots for scheduling request ease below—definitely reach out now so we can best accommodate your scheduling needs. We offer onsite and virtual interviews with our creative team, and appreciate all review, and SXSW Festival coverage.
These magical SXSW Immersive XR Spotlight Experiences from the award-winning Studio Biarritz production team in the Netherlands, returning to SXSW with their latest Immersive XR Experiences. This International Women’s Month, it’s key to note that Meijers continues to work with fellow creatives (nearly entirely female led teams for both of these XR Experiences) that explore her vision of how deeply intertwined the sociological and physical are, affecting our reality throughout.