When was immersive work first introduced at Cannes?
In 2017, Alejandro González Iñárritu made history at the 70th edition of the Festival de Cannes with his virtual reality piece, Carne y Arena (Virtually Present, Physically Invisible) marking the first immersive work ever presented as an official selection at a major film festival. Recognized for his pioneering vision, Iñárritu received a special Academy Award for the project and continues to be a prominent figure at the Festival de Cannes (even serving as President of the Jury in 2019).
Seven years since this first immersive selection and in line with the Marché du Film’s commitment to exploring new technologies and art forms through its innovative-focused programs, the Festival de Cannes stated that the Immersive Competition was launched in response to the growing number of original works that are pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling.
Who is the Immersive Competition for?
Part of the “Cannes On Air” initiative to develop the cultural and creative industries in Cannes, the Immersive Competition aims to spotlight the next generation of international artists who are redefining storytelling and inventing new narrative-driven experiences that move beyond the traditional two-dimensional cinema screen.
With the support of the CNC (National Center for Cinema and the moving image), the competition will feature immersive, collective and interactive works that utilize virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and other cutting-edge technologies to transcend conventional storytelling and transport audiences to other worlds, narratives and eras.
What immersive works will be shown at Cannes?
For its inaugural edition, a committee of industry experts and Festival de Cannes representatives, under the supervision of the General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes, will select eight immersive works in competition. Additionally, a curated selection of non-competitive works, illustrating the synergy between immersive experiences and cinema, will complement the program.
Where can you experience Festival de Cannes’ immersive works?
The selected works will be accessible to Festival de Cannes and Marché du Film attendees throughout the Festival, from May 15 to 24. The works will be displayed in a 1,300m2 exhibition space at the Cannes Cineum – the cinema complex of Cannes La Bocca – and the Georges Méliès Campus, a university institution dedicated to creative writing and film.
The in-competition works will compete for the prize of ‘Best Immersive Work’. An international jury composed of notable figures from cinema and immersive art will present the award at a special closing ceremony, celebrating the creativity and innovation of immersive artists.
What immersive technologies will be at Cannes?
Alongside the Immersive Competition, the Marché du Film will continue to explore the commercial and technical aspects of the immersive sector through a lineup of conferences, expert panels, demonstrations and professional networking events.
The City of Cannes as an international immersive hub
The City of Cannes is also set to announce the launch of “Cannes Immersive” – a new program that aims to position Cannes as a global hub for immersive creations and the emerging artistic domain of artificial intelligence (AI).
According to an announcement from the Festival de Cannes, Cannes Immersive will unfold through the launch of innovative events that are strategically designed to elevate the City’s status as a premier destination for immersive cultural experiences, which will be integrated into both existing and future Cannes events. Additionally, the City is aiming to establish a permanent immersive venue that will serve as a showcase for immersive creations, whether assisted or generated by AI.
To learn more information about the Festival de Cannes, click here.
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Foto: Festival de Cannes
