What is the Dorothy Project ?
The Dorothy Project is a nonprofit environmental documentary film project, founded by Mathieu Baptista in 2017 to explore and document the interconnectedness of Earth’s natural events from the stratosphere.
We are a team of creatives and science enthusiast dedicated to revealing the beauty and fragility of our planet through high-altitude balloon missions. Our work spans immersive virtual reality experiences, environmental documentaries, and scientific research.
Inspired by nature, informed by scientific exploration, and driven by the urgency of environmental conservation, we aim to deepen humanity’s connection to Earth.
Through virtual reality experiences, we try to trigger the “overview effect” on viewers and aim to poetically awaken their ecological awareness and encourage reflection on our place in the universe.
The Overview Effect
The overview effect is a cognitive shock, an awareness experienced by some astronauts during spaceflight, when they observe the Earth from space.
This effect occurs by putting the Earth's situation in space into direct perspective; the planet is suddenly perceived as a fragile sphere, a “pale blue point suspended in the void”, protected and nourished by a thin atmosphere.
External observers have noted significant changes in attitude among people who have reported experiencing this effect. From space, national borders disappear, the conflicts that divide people become less important and the need to create a planetary society with the united desire to protect our fragile habitat becomes both obvious and imperative.
Our Team
As our project continues to flourish and grow, our team is also in constant evolution. We are seeking new members to expand our main team and the volunteers who assist us during events and balloon launches.
Our Partners
Since the launch of our project, several partners have joined us, drawn by our mission and shared values. Our partnerships span both local organizations in Canada and international entities. We are constantly seeking new partnerships, with a particular focus on environmental organizations. We are open and eager to explore new collaborations that align with our vision.
Let's embark on this extraordinary journey together.