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Immersive Competition
The Immersive Competition is the Festival de Cannes’ latest Official Selection spotlighting the next generation of international artists who are redefining storytelling through immersive art.
Launched in 2024, the Immersive Competition highlights the most exceptional immersive, collective, and interactive works that incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as VR, AR, artificial intelligence, and video mapping. These innovative experiences immerse audiences in narratives that transport them across time, space, and into uncharted realms of artistic expression.
With the support of the CNC (French National Centre of Cinema), the Immersive Competition aims to establish Cannes as a global hub for the immersive arts community. It offers festival attendees a unique opportunity to experience groundbreaking immersive works in competition, as well as a curated selection of non-competitive projects.
In a special closing ceremony, an international jury of prominent figures from both cinema and immersive art will announce the winner for Best Immersive Work, further cementing the competition’s importance within the broader cultural landscape.
What to Expect in 2025
Following its successful debut, the Immersive Competition returns for its second edition in 2025, offering Festival de Cannes and Marché du Film participants an exclusive opportunity to experience the latest groundbreaking immersive works. This year, the prestigious Hotel Carlton will serve as the main venue, providing a refined setting for these visionary projects.
The Marché du Film is also proud to introduce the Immersive Market, which will serve as a natural extension of the competition. This new initiative will provide a unique setting to foster connections and expand distribution opportunities for immersive works on an international scale. Set aboard the Art Explora, the world’s largest catamaran, participants will discover innovative projects and networking opportunities through a series of conferences, expert panels, live demonstrations, and other networking events.
With the Immersive Competition and the launch of the Immersive Market, the Festival aims to position Cannes as a global hub for immersive creations and further elevate its status as a premier destination for immersive cultural experiences.
Looking Back at 2024
The inaugural edition of the Immersive Competition in 2024 was a resounding success, bringing groundbreaking storytelling and cutting-edge technology to the heart of the Festival. With eight immersive works in competition and six non-competitive projects on display, the program captivated audiences at the Cannes Cineum’s 1,3000m² exhibition space, as well as the Georges Méliès Campus, drawing more than 3,000 Festival attendees eager to experience the future of immersive storytelling.
The competition jury, chaired by French filmmaker and screenwriter Marie Amachoukeli, presented the Best Immersive Work award to Colored, an augmented reality, location-based experience created by Stéphane Foenkinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud and based on Tania de Montaigne’s powerful essay. The award was presented during a special ceremony at the Plage des Palmes, marking a significant moment for immersive art at the Festival de Cannes.
