28.04. ‐ 03.05.2026
VR Storytelling 2026

10. VR Storytelling Award

We hereby invite you to our international competition for 360° films. Just as before, the works selected for this special anniversary transcend the boundaries of traditional storytelling and create impressive experimental spaces for visual and auditory experiences that are sure to transport audiences to new worlds.

For the first time, the VR Storytelling Award will take place at display, a new venue for digital arts and media. This location offers an ideal setting for shared immersive experiences and is located only a few minutes away from the festival centre. 

At the VR screenings, each visitor will receive their own pair of VR glasses so everyone can experience the films at the same time. Afterwards, the audience will vote for their favorite film; after all, the VR Storytelling Award is decided by you.

DISPLAY – RAUM FÜR DIGITALE PRAXIS, Berliner Straße 60

Exhibition: VR Interactive

In addition to the VR Storytelling Award, display will also be hosting an exhibition with interactive VR projects. The presented works expand the 360° film programme to include even more types of virtual and immersive media. Admission to the exhibition is free.

All Nominees at a glance:

 

Asteroid

VR Filme

A chaotic and claustrophobic space odyssey unfolds in this VR blockbuster, directed by Doug Liman, who is renowned for his action-packed Hollywood films. When a gold-laden asteroid passes within close distance of Earth, a hastily assembled crew is sent into space to recover the gigantic treasure. But the mission escalates, and only one astronaut returns safely. In this fast-paced VR experience, gold shines brighter than the stars; the gaze into space is defined by greed rather than desire for discovery. Actors such as Ron Perlman (Hellboy) and NFL star D. K. Metcalf round off this extraordinary VR production. 

Short film, USA 2025, OV (English), Director: Doug Liman, Length: 12 minutes

Reality looks back

VR Filme

A slow-paced stream of consciousness about observation, possibility, and reality. Captivating pictures create a visual landscape in which places seem to tremble and flicker as if reality itself were in motion. Inspired by the mysteries of quantum mechanics, director Anne Jeppesen contemplates whether reality only comes to be in the moment of looking. A dense soundscape of thoughts, fragments of dialogue and music connects the layers to create a sensory atmosphere in which perception, memory and imagination overlap eachother.

Experimental film, Denmark/USA 2025, OV (English) Director: Anne Jeppesen, Length: 21 minutes

GERMAN PREMIERE

Earths to come

VR Filme

Earths to Come is an experimental VR film that marries pencil-drawn landscapes and multi-layered vocal soundscapes, resulting in a delicate, moving world that seems both intimate and infinite. The starting point is an eight-line poem by Emily Dickinson. Inti Figgis-Vizueta's original composition is unfolded by the voices of the vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth. Sound designer Massimiliano Borghesi, together with Studio PASE, developed a spacial mix of the voices moving within the VR space; thus, drawing and sound fuse into a poetic immersive experience. 

Experimental film, USA 2024, OV (English), Director: Rose Bond, Length: 12 minutes

Romancecar

VR Filme

The Odakyu Romance Car line has connected the Japanese capital Tokyo with popular holiday destinations like Hakone since the 1960s. With its large panoramic windows, the train has achieved cult status among train enthusiasts in Japan and beyond. Jonathan Haggard created a poetic tribute for this place of yearning; in hand-drawn 360° panoramas, he traces the changes of the landscapes, the train and the people who ride it over several decades.

This film invites its audience to sit back and immerse itself into the scenes passing by; a detail-oriented and stilistically outstanding VR experience. 

Animated film, Japan 2024, OV (Japanese), Director: Jonathan Haggard, Length: 8 minutes

Mit freundlicher Unterstützung von

Showtime VR

VR Interactive Exhibition

An exhibition featuring interactive VR works is also taking place at display. The projects on show complement the 360° film programme with further forms of virtual and immersive media. Admission to the exhibition is free.

Exhibition opening hours

Wed 29 & Thu 30 April
3 pm – 10 pm

Fri 1, Sat 2 & Sun 3 May
1 pm – 9 pm

EDDIE AND I

Eddie and I

VR Experience, France/Germany/Israel 2025, English/German, Director: Maya Shekel

Length: ca. 20 Min.

Eight-year-old deaf Ron is afraid of his first camping trip. One night, he awakens in an enchanted forest, where players take on the role of Eddie the Camper, guiding him through adventures—from building a campfire to stargazing—while learning to communicate despite not sharing a common language. In this interactive VR experience, players pick up simple sign language, build trust, and discover how empathy and collaboration can overcome language and cultural barriers.

LICHTUNG

Lichtung

VR Experience, Germany 2025, Director: Aria Wolf, Length: ca. 9 Min.

In Lichtung, the player enters a serene, unfamiliar world, initially lying dormant as you arrive. As you explore, the environment gradually awakens, revealing its light. The more you engage, the more you are enveloped in a gentle yet vibrant experience, full of subtle surprises.

CRAFTING CRIMES

Crafting Crimes

VR Experience, France 2025, OV (English), Director: Chloé Rochereuil

Length: 20 Min.

A true crime podcast reimagined for mixed reality. Guided by host and miniaturist Carol K. Ras, you don’t just listen—you build the story. Legendary cases unfold in miniature before your eyes, letting you craft crime scenes, place evidence, and explore investigations at your own pace. Every detail draws you deeper into the mystery, creating a hands-on, immersive experience.

VR Storytelling Programm 2026

Section

Location

Country

Language

language version

WED, 29. AprLichter FilmfestLichter Filmfest

17:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Wednesday, 29 April 2026, 17:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

20:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Wednesday, 29 April 2026, 20:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

THU, 30. AprLichter FilmfestLichter Filmfest

17:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Thursday, 30 April 2026, 17:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

20:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Thursday, 30 April 2026, 20:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

FRI, 1. MayLichter FilmfestLichter Filmfest

10:00 h

Display VR

Children's programme in display

Section: VR Storytelling

Friday, 1 May 2026, 10:00 h, display

Here you can experience art and technology for yourself! On 1st and 2nd May, the team from display and Digital Worlds invites anyone aged 12 and over to try out programming, soldering and crafting – both in VR and in "real life".

14:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Friday, 1 May 2026, 14:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

17:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Friday, 1 May 2026, 17:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

20:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Friday, 1 May 2026, 20:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

SAT, 2. MayLichter FilmfestLichter Filmfest

10:00 h

Display VR

Children's programme in display

Section: VR Storytelling

Saturday, 2 May 2026, 10:00 h, display

Here you can experience art and technology for yourself! On 1st and 2nd May, the team from display and Digital Worlds invites anyone aged 12 and over to try out programming, soldering and crafting – both in VR and in "real life".

14:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Saturday, 2 May 2026, 14:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

17:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Saturday, 2 May 2026, 17:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

20:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Saturday, 2 May 2026, 20:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

SUN, 3. MayLichter FilmfestLichter Filmfest

14:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Sunday, 3 May 2026, 14:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

17:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Sunday, 3 May 2026, 17:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.

20:00 h

VR Filme 2026

VR Storytelling Short Films

Section: VR Storytelling

Sunday, 3 May 2026, 20:00 h, display

Four VR-films, four worlds: A VR blockbuster in outer space, a quantum riddle about the nature of reality, pencil-drawn poetry inspired by Emily Dickinson, and a train journey through decades of Japan. Immersive. Poetic. Unforgettable.