Ep. 2 - VR documentary, racism, and embodied interactions

In this episode, Dr. VR speaks with director Limbert Fabian about MLK: Now Is the Time (TIME Studios / Meta), a VR experience that reframes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech through the lens of ongoing struggles in housing, policing, and voting rights. Fabian shares his approach to designing for presence and emotional impact, the creative partnerships behind the project, and how VR can spark conversations that extend beyond the headset.

From Illustration to Immersive Storytelling

Fabian’s creative roots lie in illustration and animation, disciplines that continue to influence his VR practice. This background has given him a strong visual sensibility and a deep appreciation for the ways images can carry emotional weight. For Fabian, VR is less about simulating the past and more about crafting experiences that resonate in the present.

“I didn’t come to VR to show off the tech. I came to see how it could make someone feel something they didn’t expect.”

Reframing the Speech for Today

Rather than attempt a literal recreation of the 1963 March on Washington, Fabian designed MLK: Now Is the Time to address contemporary issues connected to King’s words. The experience unfolds through three vignettes—housing, policing, and voting—each using interaction and metaphor to deepen understanding.

“This cannot be a surrogate for activism… this is meant to have the conversation start.”

By embedding participants in these scenarios, Fabian invites them to reflect on how the civil rights movement’s unfinished work continues to shape daily life.

Embodied Interaction and Symbolism

From the start, Fabian committed to hand-tracking as the project’s primary interaction method. Gestures became part of the visual language—none more so than the raised fist, a symbol of protest and solidarity that doubles as a navigational cue in the experience. A recurring stone object also plays a dual role: a storytelling device and a metaphorical anchor.

“It ended up working metaphorically… and clicked for me visiting the MLK Memorial.”

Archival Truth Over Digital Reenactment

One of Fabian’s key creative choices was to use archival footage of Dr. King rather than a CG recreation. This decision preserved the authenticity of the speech and built toward a more powerful emotional climax.

“It was important to see Dr. King as Dr. King.”

Curation and Reception

Festival presentation was carefully designed to preserve the work’s intimacy while making it accessible. At SXSW, MLK: Now Is the Time resonated deeply, with some viewers leaving the headset visibly moved. The project went on to win at the festival, reinforcing the value of its deliberate, emotionally grounded approach.

Conclusion

Through MLK: Now Is the Time, Limbert Fabian demonstrates how embodied design, symbolic gestures, and thoughtful curation can transform a historic speech into a living encounter. The experience is a call to reflection and dialogue, reminding us that VR’s most meaningful potential lies in its ability to connect history with the urgencies of the present.

Listen to the full conversation to hear Fabian’s reflections on designing for emotional presence, collaborating with TIME Studios and Meta, and translating Dr. King’s legacy into an interactive medium

About the Guest

Limbert Fabian is a director, animator, and visual storyteller whose work spans illustration, animation, and immersive media. With a career rooted in crafting powerful visual narratives, Fabian brings a unique blend of artistry and social consciousness to his projects. His VR experience MLK: Now Is the Time, created in collaboration with TIME Studios and Meta, reimagines Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speech through present-day issues of housing, policing, and voting rights. Fabian’s approach is defined by a commitment to emotional presence, symbolic interaction, and the belief that immersive media should inspire reflection and conversation beyond the headset.

Disclaimer: This post was partly generated with the assistance of an AI tool and reviewed for accuracy and clarity before publication.