LESBIAN SIMULATOR
Step inside Lesbian Simulator, an interactive VR artwork by Iris van der Meule that lets you experience the world through the eyes of a queer girl. Blending game mechanics with immersive storytelling, the work takes you through moments of joy, community, discovery, as well as the everyday discrimination lesbians still face.
Iris van der Meule (she/her) is a queer digital artist and director based in Amsterdam.
Iris researches immersive storytelling and creates VR experiences, animation films, illustrations and other interactive curiosities. In her work she discusses socially relevant theme’s, like discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community, climate change, mental health and gender inequality. In her work she explores innovative ways to hold a mirror up to society. Her projects are equally cutting as they are light hearted, usually wrapped in a layer of humor and sarcasm.
Founded in 2019 by producer Corine Meijers, Studio Biarritz is a production house dedicated to boundary-pushing audiovisual storytelling. The studio develops original work and collaborates with filmmakers and artists worldwide on projects that blend form, technology, and emotion.
Its portfolio spans interactive VR, immersive installations, hybrid films, and AR experiences. Recent releases include Lesbian Simulator by Iris van der Meule and Deep Soup by Luna Maurer & Roel Wouters (both premiering at IDFA DocLab 2025), the VR documentary Lacuna (IFFR 2025, Cannes Immersive Competition), and Polymorf’s AR piece Future Botanica. Earlier works like Floating with Spirits, The Imaginary Friend, and Ik ben een bastaard further reflect the studio’s commitment to innovative, cross-disciplinary storytelling.
Studio Biarritz champions creators who explore new narrative territories and invite audiences into bold, immersive worlds.
Country: The Netherlands, Canada and Belgium
Status: In production, expected in 2025
Running time: 40 minutes
Language: Dutch, English and French
Animation VR artwork & game
Lesbian Simulator (previously called Gay Simulator) was initially developed as part of the Next Talent and Hub program between 2019-2021. The project was further developed also through the talent program Filmforward Vrijplaats.
The project was presented as part of the Gap Financing Market at the Venice Biennale, the XR Market / New Images, the Impulse market / CinemArt 2023 and the Immersive Tech Week as well as the Holland Film meeting / The Netherlands Film Festival 2022.
