During its news report on a local VR Film Festival, The Seattle Times equates virtual reality's integration into the world of cinema to 'Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat' — the first publically shown film that scared the audience who thought that the moving picture was actually going to injure them. The Seattle International Film Festival's VR Zone opened on May 18th and it offered groups of 40 about 90 minutes of interactive storytelling and immersive narratives. From outer space documentaries to interactive hot air balloon ride installations, the event is met with great enthusiasm and curiosity.
The growth of the VR film festival, compared to last year, is astonishing. While in 2017, SIFF's Virtual Reality Zone was "just a small part of a larger festival-lounge area," in 2018 the event brings 36 global pieces of interactive films.
Experiential VR Film Festivals
Seattle International Film Festival's VR Zone is Highly Anticipated
Trend Themes
1. Experiential VR Film Festivals - Opportunity for creating immersive storytelling experiences through VR technology for film festivals.
2. Interactive Documentary Films - Potential to drive engagement and participation from audiences beyond passive consumption of content.
3. Global Expansion of VR Film Festivals - Opportunity to expand the reach of VR film festivals by showcasing a diverse range of cultures and perspectives.
Industry Implications
1. Film Festivals - Innovative opportunity to incorporate virtual reality as a storytelling medium into traditional film festivals.
2. Virtual Reality Technology - Disruptive innovation potential within the virtual reality industry to enhance storytelling and create immersive narratives.
3. Creative Industries - New avenues for artists and filmmakers to experiment with immersive technologies and create more engaging experiences for audiences.