The Rise of Virtual Reality at Film Festivals

If the art of film didn’t change with new technology, thought processes, and public fascinations, it wouldn’t be as amazing as it is. But, it’s always a bit of a surprise when something new and foreign bursts onto the scene.Naysayers conservatively hold to the older forms of art—typically what they grew up on, and what changed their lives and challenged them. They have achieved the ultimate form of enlightenment in cinema, and they don’t need your new gizmos or perspectives on the world at large. Yet, the craft proceeds in adapting, because those who make it know that innovation is the only way to stay relevant, period. Virtual reality (VR) is one of the newest forms of technology being used in film, creating an entryway for moviegoers into the world that movie characters live in. It’s a technology that has serious untapped potential to attract curious eyes everywhere. Recently, it’s begun to make waves at film festivals. Film experts are learning to embrace it, and we can only assume we’ll see more of it at these festivals in the future. The industry is ready, but is the mass market prepared to make the leap?