Projects
The Baby Factory Is Closed
The Baby Factory Is Closed
TBFIC is a groundbreaking hybrid documentary and multiplayer immersive experience that redefines how menopause is understood and talked about.
Using innovative storytelling and multi-sensory technology, TBFIC invites participants into an interactive space where personal narratives, science and lived experiences converge to create a deeper, more empathetic understanding of this life stage.
For too long, menopause has been surrounded by stigma, silence and misinformation. TBFIC challenges these outdated narratives by opening up a dialogue that is inclusive, empowering and informed. Through an engaging blend of documentary film, immersive environments and multiplayer interaction, participants are encouraged to share knowledge and foster connection - whether they are experiencing menopause themselves or wish to understand it better.
This project transforms what is often seen as a private or isolating experience into a shared journey of discovery. By leveraging multi-sensory design, TBFIC gives audiences an embodied understanding of the physical and emotional realities of menopause, breaking down barriers to empathy and awareness.
At its core, TBFIC is about transforming the conversation: from shame to empowerment, from silence to solidarity. It’s not just an experience, it’s a movement toward greater understanding, education and support for all those impacted by menopause.
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£50,000
Aims of the Project
TBFIC aims to redefine how the menopause is understood, discussed and experienced. By blending hybrid documentary storytelling with a multiplayer immersive format, the project seeks to break the long-standing stigma surrounding menopause and replace it with an empowering, inclusive narrative. It provides a space where people can share knowledge, personal stories and experiences, fostering empathy and collective understanding.
One of the core aims is to use innovative, multi-sensory technology to engage audiences in a way that is both informative and deeply personal. By simulating aspects of the menopause experience, TBFIC encourages participants to gain insight into the physical, emotional and psychological impacts of this life stage, creating a bridge of empathy between those who experience menopause firsthand and those who wish to better understand it.
How will they do that?
The project challenges societal taboos and promotes open conversation, normalising discussions around menopause in both personal and public spaces.
TBFIC aspires to educate, inspire and empower participants, helping to reshape cultural narratives and advocate for better health education and support systems. Ultimately, TBFIC strives to create a transformative experience that fosters connection, combats isolation and celebrates a stage of life too often overlooked or misunderstood.
Being selected for Immersive Arts funding is an incredible honour. This opportunity empowers us to deepen collaboration, explore new technologies and highlight a socially significant and critical issue.
Meet the artists
Deepa Mann-Kler
Lead Artist
She/her
Deepa Mann-Kler is CEO Neon; Director Belfast XR Festival; XR Lead Atlantic Institute; Visiting Professor Immersive Futures Ulster University; Executive Producer for Virtual Production at Aura Studios; Artist and member of BAFTA Connect. Neon harnesses the power of immersive technologies to create authentic augmented and virtual reality narrative driven experiences. As Director and Producer, Neon has won multiple awards most lately with The Metaverse & Me and Discover ME. Neon launched The Metaverse & Me AR, AR Peace Wall and AR Street Art apps freely available on iOS and Play Store. A TEDx speaker “Being Human” and thought leader Deepa regularly keynotes.
Liz Rosenthal
Executive Producer
Liz Rosenthal – Executive Producer – curator, executive producer, and pioneer in immersive art and media. Liz curates Venice Immersive at the Venice Biennale’s International Film Festival and executive produces award-winning immersive content. As founder and CEO of Power to the Pixel, and co-founder of Creative XR, Liz has helped shape the future of immersive storytelling. She advises international festivals, media organizations, and funds, and connects global talent, financiers, and distributors. Liz is a founding board member of Immerse UK, and sits on advisory boards for Mediamorfosis, IDA Network, and Studio. She is a member of BAFTA and a fellow of the RSA.
Eva Robinson
Eva Robinson – Producer – co-founder and director of Aura Digital Technology Studio, an award-winning studio that uses a range of innovative technologies from XR, Realtime Rendering and Virtual Production to make content for Animation, Interactive, Film & TV and Games. We tell stories that entertain, educate and that make you think. But in all we do, Story Comes First. The studios work has been featured at SxSW, Stereopsia, NEB Brussels, FIVARS, Belfast Media Festival, Beyond Conference amongst others.
