During 2022 the CBA collaborated with the Department of Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media at the University of York to develop a project looking at the potential for immersive storytelling to help share some of the themes and issues that are important to the CBA and the wider archaeological community.

During the course of the project two short virtual reality (VR) films were produced looking at two very different aspects of archaeology.

The first film - Digging Vindolanda - was filmed during the 2022 excavation season at Vindolanda Roman Fort close to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. During the film you will get to see elements of the dig and hear the experiences of some of the participants. if you are inspired by this video you can visit Vindolanda Fort & Museum throughout the year, or, you might even be inspired to become a volunteer at one of their future excavations!

In Coastal Stories, our second film, you'll discover the impact of coastal erosion on the cliffs at Flamborough Head on the Yorkshire coast with a narrative from CBA Executive Director Neil Redfern on the role archaeology can play in understanding and adapting to climate change.

The short films can be accessed via YouTube using the links below:

Digging Vindolanda - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atN5nx9oKJw
Coastal Stories - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1jmAPCXOBE

These videos are designed to be viewed using a VR headset. This will enable you to view the landscapes in the films in 360 degrees.

The CBA would like to thank the Vindolanda Charitable Trust and the staff and volunteers at the excavation for participating in the project.

The films were created by Tobia Palma Stade, Zulfiya Hamzaki and colleagues at the Department of Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media, University of York