Daughters of Chibok

360 video in the town of Chibok, Nigeria, where 267 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram in 2014. In 2019, 112 are still missing. Part of the 2020 Oculus 'immersive games for change' and screened at the Biennale di Venezia. First person narrative calling for the empathy of the viewer by immersing them in an unfamiliar environment (for most viewers with access to a VR headset). Reminiscent of other 360 videos such as 'Clouds over Sidra' or 'Fatoumata'. No interaction.

Multimedia

Contributors note

Team: Joel Kachi Benson (Director)

On April 14th 2014, the sleepy agrarian community of Chibok, in Borno State, North East Nigeria, was thrust into the global spotlight when the terrorist group Boko Haram, stormed the town at night and abducted 276 teenage schoolgirls from their dormitories. Daughters of Chibok deals with the aftermath of the kidnappings, and explores global issues of gender rights and the right to education.

Play area: Standing, 3dof

Number of players: Single-player

Built with: Gopro Omni

Director’s Statement:

I use immersive storytelling to amplify the voices of those who would ordinarily not be heard. In January 2019, five years after the kidnap, I made my first trip to Chibok and I met Yana, woman leader and mother of Rifkatu Galang, one of the missing girls. Like many others, Yana can’t move on—she still washes her daughter’s clothes and packs them in a small bag, waiting for her return. Many mothers in Chibok feel the world has moved on and forgotten about them, their pain and grief. I hope this film reminds us that Chibok is still here, 112 girls are still missing. The greatest tragedy will be when we choose to forget.