Numerous interactive installations at SXSW’s annual XR Experience combine exploration with profound emotion. However, in 2025, few achieve this as compellingly as *Traces: The Grief Processor*, an interactive VR installation devised by Vali Fugulin and Couzin Films.

In contrast to many XR initiatives that prioritize visual spectacle, *Traces* offers a serene, personal experience. It accommodates four participants at once, allowing them to immerse themselves in a virtual environment influenced by earlier visitors.

Although *Traces* is not intended to substitute for therapy, it provides a distinctive and even playful approach to processing grief—regardless of the nature of the loss being faced.

From the outset, the experience feels profoundly personal. Participants are encouraged to share a photograph that conjures feelings of grief—be it of a cherished individual, a moment gone by, or anything else that resonates. They are also prompted to enter a brief phrase, offering themselves comfort in that moment.

These personal contributions become an enduring facet of *Traces*, enriching the experience with echoes from past users. “During the pandemic, as I dealt with tremendous grief, I found myself longing for connection, yet uncertain how to articulate my sorrow,” Fugulin shares.

She stresses that *Traces* focuses not solely on mourning recent losses, advising against the use of images of those who have passed away recently. Nonetheless, the experience powerfully impacted attendees. One participant, visibly moved, expressed gratitude to Fugulin and producer Ziad Touma following their session.

Even individuals who had not recently faced significant loss felt a profound impact. One participant displayed a photo of their cat, feeling guilty for leaving him behind to attend SXSW. Others shared pictures from previous holidays or younger incarnations of themselves—mournful not only for people but also for places, memories, and earlier stages of their lives.

This captures the essence of *Traces*. As Fugulin points out, grief encompasses more than just death; it involves change, the passage of time, and irrecuperable things. In this virtual environment, shards of loss metamorphose into something distinct—interwoven into a collective experience.

Joining Fugulin on this journey is her longtime friend, Quebecois actor and ritualist Stéphane Crête. Together, they create a documentary-style VR experience that is both immersive and profoundly personal—a rare amalgamation at SXSW.

While keeping some elements under wraps, *Traces* beckons participants into a space that is reflective, intimate, and surprisingly poignant. You will not leave unsatisfied—and you may even uncover new insights about yourself along the way.