The "Boundless ∞ Immersive Section," launched Thursday at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), showcases how virtual reality (VR) and emerging technologies are transforming filmmaking.

Officials and organizers launch the virtual reality film section of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF]

The showcase features 47 works spanning VR, augmented reality and other immersive formats, including "21-22 USA" and "21-22 China" by Thierry Loa, "Tearless: When Ghosts Speak History" by Gina Kim, and "Impulse: Playing with Reality" by May Abdalla and Barry Gene Murphy.

Chinese actor Huang Bo, serving as guest curator, said the exhibition is divided intotwo parts: "Boundless Cinema" for international VR works and "Immersive Space: Unbounded Imagery" featuring projects from established artists and emerging academic talent. 

"I welcome everyone to experience this immersive theater over the next week," Huang told attendees, calling it "a gateway to different cinematic dimensions."

Cui Yan, director of the Beijing International Film Festival Operations Center at Beijing Radio & Television Station, said the event "has consistently focused on cinema's cutting-edge developments."

"We believe the more than 40 technologically and artistically innovative entries will profoundly expand audiences' understanding of future visual storytelling," Cui added.

The China Film Archive first introduced VR exhibitions at the festival in 2018, which evolved into an extended reality showcase by 2023 before expanding into this year's "Boundless ∞ Immersive Section."

China Film Archive Director Sun Xianghui said VR films' inclusion in China's official film classification system marks a new phase for the medium in the country.

"The section will continue serving as a vital platform for China's VR films," she said. "We encourage progress through technological exchange, mutual learning among civilizations and artistic dialogue – expanding cinema's sensory dimensions and delivering more immersive experiences to audiences."

Thursday's events included an opening ceremony, industry forum and academic symposium focused on policy guidance, cross-sector collaboration and future trends. Experts view VR film development as China's next frontier in cinematic innovation.

Actor Huang Bo (C) with virtual reality filmmakers whose works will be showcased at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF]

Huang Zhi, head of the Technology Department at the Film Bureau of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stated that the China Film Administration has issued guidelines to promote the orderly development of VR films, showcasing strong government support for this tech and culture integration.

The administration will strengthen foundations, set technical standards and provide multi-level policy support to ensure healthy growth in the sector, Huang noted.

"But regardless of technological advancements," Huang emphasized, "films must adhere to a people-centered creative approach. VR films must align with public expectations – only by consistently producing high-quality works that resonate with audiences can new formats achieve sustainable success."

Entrepreneurs, executives, industry insiders, and academics at the forum discussed commercialization models for VR films, with participants agreeing that VR development is essential for advancing China's film industry.

In addition, several VR film projects, including "The Three-Body Game: Fragments of Civilization," were announced. Major cinema chains across China also pledged to support VR cinema development and provide screening facilities for VR projects.

The "Boundless ∞ Immersive Section" runs until April 27 and will include a technology summit in addition to the VR screenings.

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