The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, in collaboration with Shanghai's Putuo District Government, launched SIFF XR, a special screening event, on June 14. The program promises to captivate audiences with groundbreaking films powered by augmented reality and virtual reality technologies.

Held at Huayi Brothers Cinema in Shanghai's Changfeng Joy City, the opening ceremony welcomed municipal and district government officials alongside industry representatives.

Since its inception in 2024, SIFF XR has served as a platform for immersive screenings and industry networking, blending cinematic content, gaming, and live performances into interactive experiences.

This year's three-day offline event features 16 domestic and international VR productions spanning diverse themes, including The Da Vinci's Invitation: Wings of Dreams, Wall Town Wonders, and Mnemosyne.

The event also announced that seven domestically produced VR films will premiere in cinemas both in China and abroad. Spanning diverse themes — from historical myths to science fiction — these productions showcase the innovative strides in immersive storytelling.

Pan Min, director of the Shanghai Film Bureau, said, "These pioneering efforts not only expand the boundaries of film art but also allow the public to experience the remarkable advancements in cutting-edge technology."

To further engage audiences, the event introduces a unique "ticket stub economy" initiative. Shoppers who spend a designated amount at Shanghai Changfeng Joy City can reserve a free VR film experience. Attendees who present a ticket stub from any of the VR screenings can redeem it for a scenic boat tour along Suzhou Creek, from Changfeng Park to Changhua Road, or gain free entry to the Suzhou Creek Industrial Civilization Museum.