As the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) enchants the city, another cinematic wonder enters the spotlight. The 11th edition of the Festival of International Virtual & Augmented Reality Stories (FIVARS), in its 9th year, makes a triumphant return in 2023.

This year’s program is nothing short of groundbreaking, showcasing 60 new immersive works across the spectrum of formats, from more than 24 countries. The offerings span stereoscopic spherical video, live VR performances, stop-motion augmented reality, hybrid dance performances, and awe-inspiring AI-powered installations with a paranormal twist.

Event Details:

• In-Person Event: September 15-19, 2023
• Online Extension: Until October 3, 2023
• Venue: Studio idFK, 190 McCaul St., Toronto, ON, M5T 1W5
• Tickets: Available via Eventbrite for specific 2-hour blocks.
• Healthcare grade sterilization by Cleanbox for the VR headsets provided.

Watch this trailer of trailers showscasing about a third of this year’s incredible selections:

In-Person Viewing:
Discover storytelling’s future in Toronto’s Queen St. W arts district—no tech skills needed for exclusive, equipment-based experiences.

Online Experience:
Can’t attend in person? The custom-built award-winning Web3D theater brings the festival global through Oct 3rd, featuring 3D 6K videos with spatial audio and VR support, but also accessible via any newer mobile device.

FIVARS Features:

• Personalized Experience: Enjoy a 2-hour tailored viewing guided by our expert docents.
• Genre Spectrum: From documentaries in VR to interactive art in AR, FIVARS is a storytelling kaleidoscope.
• Global Footprint: Showcasing artists from 24 countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malawi, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan, Uganda, USA, the United Kingdom and Wales
• Premieres Galore: Featuring 10 World Premieres, 11 North American Premieres, 9 Canadian Premieres.

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Words from Festival Director Keram Malicki-Sanchez:
“FIVARS is more than a festival; it’s a unique platform for cutting-edge storytelling in the age of spatial computing. We’re excited to spotlight emerging, culturally impactful creators from around the globe taking on the challenges and potential of this powerful new medium.”

See the complete list of Selections
Tickets available via Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/fivars2023tix

About FIVARS:
Founded in Toronto in 2015, FIVARS has earned international acclaim as an award-winning annual festival that revolutionizes storytelling through Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies.