Victoria Bousis, cross-media director, creative technologist and founder of UME Studios, is redefining immersive storytelling through work that’s both technically groundbreaking and emotionally captivating. She wrote, directed and produced "Stay Alive My Son" (SAMS), an embodied VR experience that puts audiences inside the shoes and memories of Yathay Pin, a Cambodian genocide survivor. Built with XR, AI, and interactive film, defining a new genre, Cineplay, the project asks users to navigate trauma and choice — and 95% of participants report increased empathy, with 90% expressing support for refugee causes. "SAMS" has screened in 29 countries, taken home more than 20 major awards including the Producers Guild Innovation Award, Experience & Game of the Year at Games For Change, Six Telly Awards, and European XR Award, and earned global attention at Cannes, Venice, and SXSW. Under Victoria’s leadership, UME partnered with UNHCR to champion refugee dignity and family reunification, expanding the experience’s reach and real-world impact. Victoria’s work has reached over 30 million people through global press. Most recently, Victoria was honored with the Humanitarian Award from the United Nations and King Charles, solidifying her place as a leader using immersive media to inspire empathy and mobilize change.
