The Cannes Film Festival, known for showcasing the latest and greatest in cinematic artistry, has unveiled a groundbreaking new section dubbed ‘Immersive,’ dedicated to exploring the frontiers of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) storytelling. This groundbreaking initiative aims to spotlight the next generation of artists who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling beyond the traditional confines of the two-dimensional screen.
The inaugural Immersive lineup boasts an impressive roster of 14 cutting-edge projects, including eight vying for top honors in the competition category and six captivating out-of-competition screenings. These immersive creations employ a diverse array of cutting-edge XR technologies, including location-based virtual reality, mixed reality experiences, projection mapping, and captivating holographic works.
The competition lineup is a testament to the boundless creativity and innovation within the immersive storytelling realm. Among the standout projects is ‘Casting,’ a mesmerizing collaboration between Claire Bardainne and Adrien Mondot that delves into the enigmatic world of voice acting. The United Kingdom, France, and United States join forces in ‘Barnaby Steel,’ a visually stunning work by Ersin Han Ersin and Robin McNicholas, narrated by the iconic Cate Blanchett. From Romania and France comes ‘Ioana Mischie,’ directed by Ioana Mischie, an immersive journey narrated by Cabiria Morgenstern.
Poulomi Basu and CJ Clarke’s ‘Traces’ is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and memory, featuring the voices of Indira Varma, Kathy Packianathan, and Charithra Chandran. ‘Ayahuasca,’ a collaborative effort from Tania de Montaigne, Stéphane Foenkinos, and Pierre-Alain Giraud, takes viewers on an introspective journey guided by a diverse cast of voices. Dorotea Saykaly and Emil Dam Seidel’s ‘HyperVenice’ invites us to explore the depths of the famed Italian city through an innovative blend of art and technology. Rounding out the competition lineup is ‘Echoes of the Multiverse’ by Mathieu Pradat, a captivating exploration of the interconnectedness of all things, featuring a stellar cast including Axel Beaumont and Pierre Tallaron.
The Immersive Selection showcases equally impressive non-competitive works. ‘Animalia’ by Martin Allais and Nico Casavecchia invites us into the fascinating world of a young boy’s imagination, narrated by Dawson and Jehnny Beth. Marion Burger and Ilan J. Cohen’s ‘Symphony of Noise’ is a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience guided by the voice of Olivia Cooke. Fernando Maldonado and Jorge Tereso’s ‘The Way of the Jaguar’ transports viewers to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, narrated by Tahar Rahim and Colin Farrell.
Clément Deneux’s ‘Voices of the Sea’ explores the depths of the ocean through the eyes of acclaimed filmmaker Naomi Kawase. Arnaud Colinart, Amaury La Burthe, Peter Middleton, and James Spinney collaborate on ‘Notes on Blindness,’ an immersive journey narrated by John Hull and Lambert Wilson. Eliza McNitt’s ‘The Ballad of the Burning Star’ features the star power of Jessica Chastain, Millie Bobby Brown, and Patti Smith, inviting us to reflect on the power of storytelling.
The Cannes Immersive section will be presented at an exhibition space in the Cannes Cineum complex and at the campus of Cannes’s Georges Méliès film school, offering audiences an opportunity to immerse themselves in these groundbreaking works. The best immersive work will be honored at a ceremony on May 23rd, recognizing the achievements of these visionary artists. Running from May 15th to 24th, alongside the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, the Immersive section is set to become a hub for innovation and inspiration, showcasing the limitless possibilities of immersive storytelling.
