Bangladeshi-Dutch visual artist Naima Karim’s second short virtual reality (VR) film, Mirage, has been officially selected for competition at the prestigious 82nd Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica in Venice.
Mirage is an interactive VR experience that explores the inner world of a young girl struggling with depression and anxiety. The film uses advanced technology including a haptic vest and noise-cancelling headphones to create a fully immersive experience. Through hand-tracking interactivity, spatial sound design, and original music, the audience journeys deep into the girl’s mind, gaining a powerful insight into the emotional challenges faced by those with mental health conditions.
Set against a metaphorical desert landscape, Mirage is a stylized adaptation inspired by Naima Karim’s personal experience with her daughter’s battle with depression and anxiety. The film highlights the difficulties of accepting help and understanding mental health struggles, aiming to inspire empathy among viewers.
Naima hopes the project will open up conversations around mental health, helping parents and others to recognize the signs of depression and anxiety and encouraging support for those in need.
Naima Karim graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from Dhaka University. She is known for her paintings inspired by the sky, which she often uses as a symbol of freedom and movement. After being paralysed by a neurological disorder in 1999, Naima adapted her artistic practice to continue expressing movement through sweeping brushstrokes. Her work has been exhibited internationally.
Besides traditional painting, Naima has embraced digital art, using 3D VR tools to create visuals for her VR films, blending technology with storytelling.
La Biennale di Venezia, established in 1895, is one of the world’s most respected cultural institutions. It promotes contemporary art and organizes events across various artistic disciplines, making it a highly sought-after platform for artists like Naima Karim to showcase innovative works.
