Call for Entries Opens for the Competition and Screening of the 16th BJIFF's Boundless ∞ Immersive Section
For over a century since the birth of cinematic art, humanity has never ceased to explore the boundaries of visual storytelling. In 2025, the first virtual reality films granted the Virtual Reality Film Public Screening Permit (Dragon Logo) officially entered cinemas and reached public audiences, marking a new phase in which this emerging form of filmmaking is transitioning from technological experimentation to institutionalized and industrialized development. As the physical confines of the screen dissolve into the boundless space crafted by immersive technologies, cinema has gained the ability to redefine narrative structures, interactive methods, and audience presence - effectively rewriting traditional viewing experiences.
The Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) has consistently kept pace with technological advancements and industry trends in immersive visual media. In 2018, it introduced a VR Section, which was upgraded to an XR Section in 2023 and expanded into the Boundless ∞ Immersive Section in 2025. To further promote the industrialization of virtual reality cinema in China and to engage with cutting-edge artistic exploration worldwide, the 16th BJIFF in 2026 will launch, for the first time within its Boundless ∞ Immersive Section, both a Virtual Reality Film Competition Unit and a Non-Competitive Screening Unit. On one hand, this initiative aligns with policy directives by selecting exemplary works in China's virtual reality film industry - showcasing achievements in both technological implementation and artistic expression. On the other hand, it continues to invite creators globally to submit high-quality immersive works that demonstrate mature technical and artistic standards while expanding the boundaries of perception.
This dual-track submission mechanism, combined with the previously announced University Honorary Selection call for entries, creates a multi-dimensional framework that bridges industrial practice and talent development while encompassing both professional and emerging creators. We aim to leverage this opportunity to establish a dynamic space and platform for the intersection of technology, art, industry, and academia - collaboratively shaping the future landscape of virtual reality cinema and immersive visual media.
Screening scenes of the 15th BJIFF's Boundless ∞ Immersive Section
Virtual Reality Film Competition Unit
This unit aims to select virtual reality film works that have been integrated into the official regulatory system of China's film industry. The selected works should demonstrate outstanding artistic quality and technical execution, serving as benchmarks for the industry.
1. Production Requirements
(1) Works submitted to this unit must have completed the film script (outline) filing in accordance with the regulations of the China Film Administration and obtained an official project filing number.
(2) Works submitted to this unit must have been produced after January 1, 2025, and must not have been publicly screened for commercial purposes in any commercial cinema, public exhibition space, or other venues prior to their screening at this edition of the BJIFF.
2. Explanation of Work Format
The virtual reality films submitted to this unit must comply with the policy requirements of the China Film Administration. No specific format is restricted, encompassing mainstream forms such as large-space experiences suitable for multi-person walking exploration and seated-viewing experiences designed for fixed-location observation.
3. Honors Setup
This unit will confer the following honors
(1) Best Virtual Reality Film Will be awarded to a virtual reality film that demonstrates outstanding overall performance in artistic expression, technical execution, and immersive experience, possessing significant artistic and industry benchmark value.
(2) Best Immersive Storytelling Will be awarded to a virtual reality film that excels in narrative exploration by making full use of the characteristics of the immersive medium.
(3) Best Interactive Experience Will be awarded to a virtual reality film that features innovative breakthroughs and pioneering exploration in interactive design or technical approaches.
4. Screening and Recognition
Selected works will receive official selection certificates and will be included as part of the official screening program of the 16th BJIFF's Boundless ∞ Immersive Section, presented to the public collectively during the festival. Ultimately, the award-winning works chosen will receive honorary certificates and will gain opportunities for promotional roadshows, media promotion, and relevant industry networking.
Non-Competitive Screening Unit
This unit continues to invite creators globally to submit high-quality immersive works that demonstrate mature technical and artistic standards.
1. Work Formats
(1) Head-Mounted Display (HMD) Works Works designed for head-mounted display devices, including Virtual Reality (VR) works (including 3DoF panoramic video and 6DoF interactive experiences), Augmented Reality (AR) works, and Mixed Reality (MR) works.
(2) Immersive Spatial Works Immersive visual works based on non-HMD immersive spaces that can accommodate multiple viewers. This includes formats such as multi-screen visuals and immersive installation art, which may incorporate interactive elements.
2. Supported Equipment
(1) Mainstream VRARMR head-mounted displays.
(2) Projectors with reflective screens, self-emissive displays such as LEDs, optional interactive devices, etc.
3. Production Date and Premiere Status
Works submitted to this unit must have been produced after January 1, 2025. There are no restrictions on premiere status, but priority consideration will be given to works having their globalinternationalAsianChinese premiere.
4. Screening and Recognition
Works selected for the screening unit will receive official certificates and will be included as part of the official screening program of the 16th BJIFF's Boundless ∞ Immersive Section, presented to the public collectively during the festival.
Application Requirements
1. Applicant and Copyright Requirements
Individuals, teams, and companies are all eligible to apply as the applicant. The applicant must be the legitimate copyright owner of the submitted work and must guarantee the work's originality. All materials provided during the application must be original or authorized content. Applicants bear full responsibility for any errors, omissions, or copyright disputes related to their submission.
2. Application Materials
(1) Application Form
Please click Read More to download and completely fill out the Application Form for 16th BJIFF's Boundless ∞ Immersive Section.
(2) Work Preview Video
A work recording or preview video must be provided, which should completely and clearly demonstrate the core audiovisual experience, narrative flow, and key interactive elements of the work. The video must meet the following technical specifications a resolution not lower than 1920×1080, a frame rate not lower than 24 FPS, an encoding format of H.264 H.265, and a container format of MP4 MOV.
(3) Work Description Document
This document should detail the specifications and requirements for the work's final presentation, including but not limited to form factor, dimensions, viewing perspective, and interaction methods. Content may cover categories such as work introduction and creative statement, technical specifications, operational and equipment environment, installation and operation guide, spatial and display configuration, project production process and behind-the-scenes records, frequently asked questions and solutions, etc.
(4) Work Promotional Materials
Work poster, stills, screenshots, etc. (3-5 images, JPG format, 300 DPI).
3. Application Method
Please consolidate the work materials into a single compressed file and upload it to a cloud storage service. Enter the share link and password into the application form. Then, email the completed application form as an attachment to the official submission email address.
The naming formats for the compressed file, the application form, and the email subject should all follow either Virtual Reality Film Competition - 'Work Title' or Non-Competitive Screening - 'Work Title'.
4. Application Deadline
From now until February 28, 2026.
5. Contact Information
Official Submission Email immersive@bjiff.com
Contact He Yuxin
Contact Number 010-82296174
University Honorary Selection - Call for Entries
To further stimulate creative vitality among young creators in the field of immersive media, the Boundless ∞ Immersive Section of the 16th Beijing International Film Festival is introducing the inaugural University Honorary Selection. This initiative calls for submissions of Head-Mounted Display (HMD) works and Immersive Spatial works from current students at higher education institutions across the country. Submitted works will be reviewed, screened, and recognized for multiple honors. For detailed application methods, please refer to the published submission guidelines
University Honorary Selection for the 16th BJIFF's Boundless ∞ Immersive Section Officially Launches
The 16th BJIFF's Boundless ∞ Immersive Section sincerely invites creators to participate actively. Let us join forces to dissolve the boundaries of the screen and collectively chart the blueprint for the future of visual storytelling.
