The Ninth "Curta Brasília" Film Festival went digital, using the VP Events platform for an immersive virtual experience featuring live award ceremonies.
Introduction
Film festivals serve as critical platforms for filmmakers to showcase their creativity, explore diverse perspectives, and connect with audiences worldwide. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ninth "Curta Brasília" Film Festival faced a significant challenge - how to adapt a traditionally physical event into a fully digital one. Drawing on the experience from the Games for Change 2020 Festival, the task was undertaken at Virtual Planet Technologies, where I had the opportunity to contribute as a level designer.
Challenge
The project's primary challenge was to create an engaging digital equivalent of the film festival using the VP Events platform. As a level designer, my responsibility involved adapting and creating the virtual environment's structure and flow. This required balancing aesthetics, mechanics, and interactivity while ensuring a seamless and immersive experience for the attendees.
Solution
We adapted the VP Events platform, initially designed for the Games for Change 2020 Festival, to suit the needs of a digital film festival. Using the Unity game engine, a comprehensive 3D virtual world was developed, designed to mimic the immersive experience of a physical film festival. I designed levels that facilitated easy navigation, interaction, and live viewing of films. Notably, all award ceremonies were held within the platform, complete with live broadcasts, a feature that enhanced the sense of real-time engagement and shared celebration.
Conclusion
The Ninth "Curta Brasília" digital Film Festival was a success, demonstrating the adaptability and versatility of the VP Events platform and the power of well-crafted level design in creating immersive digital spaces. This initiative not only allowed the festival to continue amidst challenging times but also brought together film enthusiasts from around the globe in a unique, virtual celebration of cinema. This project stands as another testament to the potential of digital technology in maintaining global connectivity and cultural exchange in the face of adversities.