Reelworld Film Festival expands powerful story telling in VR and Gaming

 

Reelworld Film Festival takes place at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, October 12 to 16, 2016. Now in its 16th year, the Festival not only continues to shine light on some of the most important issues we face globally, but is also moving forward with technology to expand its offerings to the public.

For the first time, Reelworld is including impactful VR and gaming into the fold. By using the latest technology with cutting-edge directors and content creators, the Festival offers different angles to raise awareness of what impacts our lives  through a variety of storytelling platforms.

The Digital Storytelling Zone at the Reelworld Film Fest offers visitors a chance to explore through immersive virtual reality films curated by HuffPost RYOT and  play games for change in the Hand Eye Society video game arcade.

Some of the VR Films I've got my eye on include:

The Displaced is a film that takes a look at what life is like for over 30 million child refugees who have been displaced from their homes and follows the daily lives of three young children from different parts of the world.

Seeking Home is a collaboration between RYOT and The Associated Press that puts the viewer at the centre of a migrant encampment in Calias, France. 

Valen's Reef that takes viewers on a deepwater dive into the water in a remote area in Indonesia and is a reminder of the importance of protecting the beautiful waters.

Hard World For Small Things aims to humanize victims of polie voilence who lives are often reduced to a few paragraphs in media outlets. 

In the Gaming area you will find experiences in creative content including:

Never Alone is created by America's first indigeous-owned video game developer and the Cook Inlet Tribal Council. Using puzzles and gameplay learn the history of Alaska's Inupiat people. 

Inside the Haiti Earthquake a first person simulation experience (either a survivor, aid worker or journalist) of what it's like to experience the aftermath of Haiti's 2010 earthquake. 

Syrian Journey invites you to step into the shoes of a Syrian refugee and experience.

A complete list of VR and gaming presentations, as well as the films and events are available at reelworld.ca