The MIA XR space will feature 13 immersive experiences, including 6 world premieres, 2 Italian premieres and 4 prototypes. As a result of international collaborations and creative innovation, the selected works will offer a unique experience to MIA delegates, who will be invited to explore how technology is revolutionizing the creative industries landscape and the new frontiers of immersive storytelling through virtual worlds, animated narratives, 360° documentaries, and interactive experiences.
This year, MIA XR presents a sensory journey between history and technological innovation, showcasing works that elevate the cinematic experience and cultural dialogue, making MIA a key stage for innovations in the visual arts. With a blend of narrative and visual techniques, the audience is invited to immerse themselves in stories that challenge and inspire, amplifying the power of audiovisual language.
Among the most anticipated presentations, RE-IMAGINE CABIRIA by Mattia Arrigoni (Italy, 2024), a VR adaptation of the first two chapters of Cabiria by G. Pastrone, and VISIONI by Omar Rashid (Italy, Tunisia, 2024), will offer a 360° immersion into the image, using innovative narrative techniques that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. DANS LA GROTTE by Gianluca Abbate and Angelo Cretella (Italy, France, 2024) promises to transport viewers into an underground world where mystery and discovery intertwine. Premiering worldwide, this work explores the intersections between space and time, allowing the audience to experience a unique and immersive journey.
Sara Tirelli presents the trilogy GAZE IN IMMERSION with the world premiere of the prototypes 43° 43‘ 23.7972’ / 7° 21‘ 32.3022 (Italy, France, 2024), LOOKING FOR AGNÈS (Italy, France, 2024), and FATHOMING (Italy, France, 2024). These creations explore the depths of human relationships and identity using immersive technologies to engage the viewer in a profound and personal reflection. The technical precision and visual quality of these works provide a sensory experience that remains etched in memory.
BREATHE by Michaël Kolchesky Bisson (France, Israel, Germany, 2024), also in world premiere, invites the audience to reflect on the essence of life through a narrative that combines emotions and sensitivity in an immersive first-person virtual reality experience that reveals the lives of two premature babies and their family during the most critical moments, skillfully combining 360° real footage with CGI. The artistic and technical choices make this work an extraordinary example of how cinema can engage the audience in new and meaningful ways.
Not to be missed, ITO MEIKYŪ by Boris Labbé (France, Luxembourg, 2024), winner of the Grand Prize at Venice Immersive 2024, promises a visual immersion into a fantastical world that unfolds like a sensory fresco with drawn, animated, and sound scenes in a digital labyrinth inhabited by plants, objects, animals, people, graphic patterns, and calligraphy. MONSIEUR VINCENT by Agnès Molia and Gordon (France, Taiwan, 2024), an Italian premiere, will transport viewers into the imagery and colors of Vincent Van Gogh’s works through a masterful use of the latest technologies. In the historical realm, CHAMP DE BATAILLE by François Vautier (France, Belgium, Luxembourg, 2024) is a virtual reality experience set in the heart of the Verdun trenches in 1916, during a deadly offensive. Amidst it all, a soldier named Julien endures these dark times, abandoning any hope for youth and happiness.
MAYA: THE BIRTH OF A SUPERHERO (UK, France, US, India, 2023), an international co-production making its Italian debut, brings a fresh and compelling narrative, exploring the journey of a modern heroine. It tells the story of a South Asian girl navigating the delicate phase of growing up and discovering her sexuality. She must overcome her shame and fear to find her inner strength and true superpowers.
Rounding out this immersive journey, OTO’S PLANET by Gwenaël François (Luxembourg, Canada, France, 2024), winner of the Special Jury Prize at Venice Immersive 2024, offers an immersive and interactive experience set on a small planet in space. FISHEYE by Jonathan Pepe (France, Italy, prototype in development), a work-in-progress with which the author is participating in the “XR Farnèse – Médicis” residency at Villa Medici, promoted by the French Embassy in Italy and Institut français Italia, presents a narrative that plays with perception and reality. It invites viewers to reflect on what they see in an immersive documentary that uses virtual reality as an empathetic interface, plunging the audience into the “skin” of a fish.
