Surrounded Serenity by Saudi filmmaker Malak Quota is featured at FIVARS 2024. We had a chance to talk about how this Virtual Reality project came to be and what went into its development.
What led to the creation of this piece?
I was very fortunate to have been accepted into a local XR creative residency. Out of almost 200 applicants, they selected fifteen projects. We went through three months of master classes and project development. Ultimately, we had to pitch our prototypes, and only five projects were selected. I was selected and received funding to complete my project.
What was the production process for you and your team? What did you learn?
It was a balancing exercise determining how high a quality we could go and how many elements could be interactive. In the end, we had to settle with a rendered background and selected interactive items to keep the integrity of the visuals, which was very important to me.
How did you become an immersive media content creator and why?
I always loved the idea that we could move into the space in which our stories and characters are inhabited. While I primarily work with narrative-based stories, immersive media can offer a very direct experiential experience that we do not get from standard viewing formats.
What is the VR/AR industry like in your region?
It is still a developing industry.
What do you have planned for the future?
I work mostly as a traditional filmmaker but want to create a more narrative-based immersive experience.
What would you like to share with fellow content creators and the industry?
This was such a great experience, and I hope more people have the opportunity to develop XR projects. It is also great to see an industry full of talented individuals and its amazing potential.
Do you think VR festivals like FIVARS are important?
Yes, it is essential to have festivals that support immersive media and give them the platform and space for exhibition and recognition. I am so excited that the project is part of the amazing festival! Thank you!
Surrounded Serenity plays at FIVARS 2024 Festival October 3rd through October 8th.
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