New Virtual Reality film on polio at Atlanta Convention Rotary through the short film 'I dream of an empty ward' is harnessing the immersive power of virtual reality to create a more connected, stronger world.

Experience the world of Alokita, a young adult who was paralysed by polio as a child growing up in India, which has been polio-free since 2011.

“Polio is a disease that keeps on affecting the person. It comes in childhood but it doesn’t stop there. It deteriorates the quality of our life,” Alokita says.

Rotary, with the support of the US Fund for UNICEF, produced the VR film, which debuted on World Polio Day 2016.

‘One Small Act’

Rotary’s newest VR film takes you on the extraordinary journey of a child whose world has been torn apart by conflict.

See firsthand how small acts of compassion, protection, and kindness can change lives forever.

This four-minute film emphasises the two themes of polio and peace, and how Rotary’s work to eradicate the disease is creating stability around the world.

Rotary premiered its newest film on June 13 at its international convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

A special thank you to District 5160, whose generosity helped fund the project.

The value of VR

By connecting with people on a visceral, personal level, VR films can be a powerful advocacy tool.

“The final push to end polio requires significant resources and emotional investment. This type of innovative technology has the potential to inspire that,” says Vincent Vernet, director of digital and publishing with Rotary’s communications team, who spearheaded the project.

Get the Rotary VR app

Combining the power of Rotary’s virtual reality app with a VR viewer and a smartphone, you can immerse yourself in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Gain a 360-degree perspective on the causes Rotary champions – including polio eradication and peace-building – and learn how you can take action to change the world.