The Cannes Film Festival has revealed the official selection for its Immersive Competition at the 79th edition, spotlighting nine innovative works from eight countries competing for the Best Immersive Work award.
Now in its third year, the Immersive Competition continues to push the boundaries of storytelling, blending large-scale video projections, virtual reality, and interactive experiences. The program will run from May 12 to 22 at the Carlton Hotel, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of cinematic expression.
This year introduces a significant technical upgrade, enabling shared immersive experiences for up to 200 participants at once—marking a major step forward in how digital narratives are collectively experienced.
A Global Lineup of Innovation
The 2026 selection features a diverse range of creators and formats, with several highly anticipated world premieres:
- GAWD V. THE PEOPLE (UK) – A provocative work by Yamil Rodriguez, Ivan Alejandro Diaz Cardenas, and Stephen Henderson.
- KATÁBASIS (France) – Directed by Ugo Arsac and starring Terry Williams.
- LÚCIDO (Portugal) – A visually driven project by Vier featuring an international cast.
- THE BLACK MIRROR EXPERIENCE (France, Spain) – Inspired by the iconic Black Mirror, this immersive piece is directed by David Bardos and Damià Ferràndiz.
- THE PIRATE QUEEN: NO SAFE WATERS (UK) – Directed by Eloise Singer and starring Lucy Liu.
- YELLOWFIN (Philippines) – A new work by E del Mundo highlighting Southeast Asian storytelling.
The lineup also includes international premieres such as:
- PLAYING WITH FIRE (UK, France, Taiwan) – Directed by Pierre-Alain Giraud and featuring acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang.
- RED PLANET 3009 (Italy) – A futuristic narrative starring Jane Perry.
- VOOOOOO—PEEEEEE— (South Korea) – An experimental project by Hyeunjoo Woo and Jiyun Park.
The Future of Storytelling
With its growing emphasis on immersive art forms, the Cannes Film Festival is reinforcing its role as a global platform for innovation in storytelling. By combining technology, performance, and audience participation, this year’s selection reflects a rapidly evolving creative landscape where traditional cinema meets interactive experience.
As immersive media continues to expand, the competition highlights how artists are redefining narrative boundaries—transforming viewers from passive spectators into active participants.
By: Cem Kaplan