Going virtual is the new normal, even for cinema.

This year’s Sundance Film Festival will launch a virtual reality (VR) platform where  home viewers can access its New Frontier exhibition even without a VR headset. Sounds futuristic, and I’m totally sold.

“Having our hand forced to build a virtual solution to present New Frontier solved so many problems we were having and struggling with on the ground,” says Shari Frilot, Sundance’s New Frontier curator and senior programmer. 

Sundance worked with creative studio Active Theory to produce this custom platform, accessible via a $25 Explorer Pass or other Premium Passes on a designated website. 

“Being able to watch a screening in your living room is convenient and all, but watching it in VR better replicates the immersion of a real theater,” says Yahoo.

Most passes are already sold out on Sundance’s website, so act fast or wait until they open more slots to join in on the VR fun. 

The Sundance Film Festival 2021 runs from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3. Get previews of the platform here.

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Photo from Sundance