Reimagined Volume I: Nyssa
VR Animated Short Film | 15 minutes | 2023
Trailer
Overview
Reimagined Volume I: Nyssa is an immersive VR animated short film that reimagines the classic Brothers Grimm folktale “A Tale of the Boy Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Was.” Created entirely in Quill, this groundbreaking VR experience premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival and debuted on Meta Quest TV in March 2023.
The story follows Nyssa, a fearless yet naive young witch who embarks on a journey to find her best friend, a toy broom named…Broom. Along the way, she meets a familiar spirit named Blue, and together they venture into the depths of the dark migration where not all ghosts are friendly and the creature of darkness, Teemencaag, lurks in the shadows.
Synopsis
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm folktale, the story follows Nyssa, a precocious young witch who leaves her whimsical village in order to find her best friend, a toy broom named Broom. On her journey, she meets a familiar spirit, Blue, and together they travel into the depths of the dark migration where not all ghosts are friendly and the creature of darkness, Teemencaag, lurks in the shadows.
Can Nyssa learn the meaning of fear and intuition in time to save her village before Teemencaag breaches the magical walls and destroys everything she loves?
Project Details
- Runtime: 15 minutes
- Medium: VR Animation
- Tool: Quill (VR painting and animation)
- Platform: Meta Quest TV
- Release Date: March 3, 2023
- Production: Very Cavaliere Productions in partnership with Meta
- Studio: Studio Syro
Creative Team
- Julie Cavaliere - Writer, Director, Producer
- Michaela Ternasky-Holland - Co-Creator
- Peter Ariet - Creative Producer, Co-Founder Studio Syro
- Production Company: Very Cavaliere Productions
About the Director
Julie Cavaliere is an award-winning writer, actor, director, and producer based in New York City. She began her career working for Scott Rudin Productions, and later served as head of development for the boutique production company, M.E.G.A.Films. After years of honing her skills in several areas of the entertainment industry, she launched her own production company, Very Cavaliere Productions, which is dedicated to telling stories centered around the human experience from unique, often overlooked points of view.
Recognition & Awards
- 79th Venice International Film Festival - Official Selection (Immersive Media)
- ACM SIGGRAPH 2023 - VR Theater Official Selection
- FIVARS Fall 2022 - Official Selection (Festival of International Virtual & Augmented Reality Stories)
Themes
Reimagined Volume I: Nyssa explores universal themes of:
- Fear and Courage: Learning to understand and respect fear rather than simply being fearless
- Intuition: Trusting one’s inner voice and instincts
- Friendship: The bonds that drive us to brave the unknown
- Coming of Age: A young witch’s journey from naivety to wisdom
Artistic Approach
Created entirely in Quill, Meta’s VR painting and animation tool, Nyssa showcases the unique storytelling possibilities of hand-painted VR animation. The film’s whimsical art style contrasts with darker, more atmospheric sequences as Nyssa ventures deeper into the dark migration, creating a visually stunning journey that can only be fully experienced in virtual reality.
Where to Watch
- Meta Quest TV - Available for streaming on Meta Quest devices
- Festival Screenings - Check official festival listings for immersive media showcases
Links
Gallery
