As per Wikipedia, Virtual Reality or VR is a simulated experience that employs pose tracking and 3D near-eye displays to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world.

However, I define it simply as a 360-degree experience of the virtual world.

CINEMA IS EVOLVING, AND SO IS TECHNOLOGY.

Watching movies is fun, and I love it. Since I dream of being a storyteller, it has made me experience cinema in various forms. 

A film festival connects movie lovers with movies from all over the world. When attending a film festival, I always look forward to seeing an animated film or a movie with a great storyline, if the screening is affordable (wink)

So, India Habitat Center had its International Film Festival from the 17th to the 26th of March, 2023. When I learned about it, like always, I checked the screening schedule for any movie that stirred my curiosity to watch and also for animated films. Additionally, IHC hosted VROOOOM, a VR film screening event organized by Goethe Institut in association with Virtual Reality and Film Festival (VRHAM).

So, I registered for the only animated movie in the International screening schedule and VR films. My dad is also a movie enthusiast, so he booked his slots for international movies.

STORIES THROUGH VR

Finally, with all the daily schedules updated, my reserved slot for the first set of VR films came, and I arrived at the venue to enjoy them on the 17th. It felt like entering a completely different area, with multiple stations and rooms allotted to particular screenings. Each station had a volunteer or two for guidance. I was excited to watch them all. And luckily, I saw five of them, if not all of the first VR slot screenings. They were – Father is Gone, The Choice, A Seven Story Building, Kindred, and Oh De Pu.

I experienced a new medium of storytelling through VR, and it was extraordinary. I was able to feel every kind of emotion the film wanted to portray. Honestly, I had no idea, or should I say had no expectations, that movies in VR have reached this level. It was an enjoyable evening for me, and I could not wait for my next slot of screenings to happen.

THE LAST DAY ARRIVED!

On 25th March, I decided to watch the second slot of VR films. This time I saw four movies, one being a three-part series. They were On the Morning You wake (the three episodes), Midnight Story, Rock Paper Scissors, and from the Main Square.

These felt different in reaching me than the ones I saw the last time. I learned about some of the real-life events that took place and felt like I was there. The interactive VR films where I selected the questions or where I was to play with one of the virtual characters were something new to me. It was amazing to be a part of such an experience that was so different from the stories I have seen in 2D, 3D, IMAX, etc.

I am not reviewing the movies here because I wanted to share my experience. As a creative person, or as someone who wants to learn and know more about filmmaking and its other areas, and as someone who loves movies and stuff, I would suggest you all to experience all this and know how vast storytelling and storytellers have evolved and how technology helps in giving life to the stories.

Don’t hesitate to join clubs or become a member if you get the chance to experience the cinema. You do not need a paid membership to receive updates everywhere. Some only need your Email ID to send you the update for upcoming events.

Like the one I got!

Thank you so much for reading.

Lots of Love,

Thoughtpotarts