AFTERSHOCK: WaterAid reveals Nepal’s untold water story using virtual reality
International development charity WaterAid has launched its first virtual reality documentary, Aftershock.
The film immerses viewers in the unique challenges faced by hill-top communities in Nepal to restore access to water in the aftermath of last year’s devastating earthquakes.
Shot in the village of Kharelthok, Aftershock uses the power of virtual reality to engage viewers as they follow plumber Krishna Sunuwar, 58, as he embarks on the challenge of a lifetime to restore the community’s damaged water supply.
Across earthquake-affected areas in the region, nearly half of all water supplies were destroyed leaving thousands of people without enough clean water and vulnerable to disease. Aftershocks continue to hit the country, causing setbacks to recovery work.
Created in-house by the WaterAid film team, Aftershock allows audiences to experience the trail of destruction caused by the earthquakes through the eyes of others, set against the breath taking backdrop of Nepal’s mountain communities.
WaterAid film producer Catherine Feltham said: “Virtual reality gives us the opportunity to take people closer to our work than ever previously possible. By using this new medium we hope to engage people in the reality of where we work and the challenges we face as well as inspire people by proudly showing how we work alongside fantastic community members and project partners. The beauty of this medium is that it allows the viewer to be fully immersed and we look forward to seeing the reactions of people all over the world as they are transported to Kharelthok.”
WaterAid will premiere Aftershock at World Water Week in Stockholm, and will be distributing the film through communications to WaterAid supporters, events, social media and education initiatives.
Aftershock was funded by HSBC as part of WaterAid’s global partnership with the HSBC Water Programme. Over five years, this exciting partnership has reached 1.4 million people with safe water and 2.1 million people with sanitation across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Ghana and Nigeria.
The partnership also supported WaterAid’s efforts to restore access to safe water and sanitation for communities in Nepal that were devastated by the earthquake that struck in April 2015.
Together with our partners, WaterAid is supporting Nepal’s long-term recovery over the next two years.
Using a ‘build back better’ approach, the project aims to reach 30,000 people living in earthquake-affected areas with access to a safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
WaterAid is working with partner organisations and community leaders such as Krishna to ensure that communities own the project.
To help communities like Kharethok in Nepal regroup, rebound and rebuild, visit www.aftershock.wateraid.org
