An increasing number of film festivals are recognising the efforts of creators who produce works in virtual reality (VR) or 360-degree video. The LA Film Festival has announced the line-up for its first VR and Immersive Storytelling Showcase, a special event called The Portal.
The Portal is part of a two-year partnership with Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television, and will be held at the MLU’s new Playa Vista Campus.
The event will feature a range of new animated, documentary and fictional narratives drawn from VR exhibitions around the world, including Cannes, Rotterdam, Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca and Venice.
VR and 360-degree film features during the event will include Age of Sail, Arden’s Wake, Crow: The Legend, Dinner Party, Terminal 3, Zikr: A Sufi Revival, and This Is Climate Change, among a host of others.
“It’s exciting, and a testament to the storytelling, that virtual reality is now attracting talent like Rosario Dawson, Brie Larson, Diego Luna, Ian McShane, Alicia Vikander and Oprah Winfrey,” said Jacqueline Lyanga, Guest Director VR & Immersive Storytelling. “Immersive storytelling is venturing into exciting new territory with adventurous mixed reality, social interactivity, guided motion and haptics, all of which LA audiences will be able to experience for free at The Portal this fall as part of LA Film Festival.”
“It’s fitting that, as we open the doors to our new Playa Vista campus, we also welcome Film Independent’s first-ever VR and Immersive storytelling showcase,” said Peggy Rajski, new Dean of LMU’s School of Film and Television. “Jacqueline’s thoughtful program provides audiences with ample opportunities to immerse themselves into the experiences and stories of others, including many whose voices are typically unheard. At LMU SFTV we deeply value storytelling that shines a light into the places we rarely traverse, but which enrich us when given the opportunity to do so.”
The Portal is due to be held on 22nd-23rd September, 2018. Further information can be found on the LA Film Festival website. News on VR-related events will continue to be covered here on VRFocus.
via Mint VR