Poulomi Basu

Poulomi Basu’s breakthrough project is the immersive VR game, Maya: The Birth of a Superhero.

What defines a superhero? Beyond the fantasy world of masks and capes, perhaps the real-life answer is about believing in your own radical power for transformation, to accept self-love, abandon shame and form solidarities. This superpower is innovatively depicted in Poulomi Basu’s illuminating VR experience Maya: The Birth of a Superhero. This 3D hand-drawn immersive project that also uses mixed reality, blends the teenage trauma of menstruation with stories of the abhorrent practice of menstrual exile that is rife in parts of Asia, including her birthplace, India, all explored in a virtual space.

Despite a difficult childhood, Poulomi, who is neurodiverse, was invigorated by Calcutta’s militant and artistic milieu, finding inspiration in the cinematic works of Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and Agnes Varda and written word of Arundhati Roy. After moving to the UK in 2008 and earning a scholarship to study at the London College of Communication, Poulomi started on her artistic journey as a photographic artist before moving into more immersive realms, such as her first work, Blood Speaks (2013–).

She is currently working on a longform hybrid documentary and writing another feature. She is also continuing to extend the legacy of Maya by taking a toolkit into schools, civic centres and women’s health centres that focuses on the intersection of reproductive health, women’s rights, education and climate change.

In their own words…

“I’m a director, filmmaker and creator that sits in this intersection between film and games. I thought Breakthrough would be a wonderful opportunity to enhance this by meeting other directors, female directors and creators… I want to make meaningful, genre-bending films and games, that push the medium forward… I also want people to know that if I can do it – someone who isn’t born and brought up [in the UK] and didn’t have many opportunities – then other people might also be inspired.”