A weekend of award-winning virtual reality, augmented reality and games at the Reykjavík International Film Festival.

In 2021 RIFF put a special emphasis on immersive work, and launched a new side-programme to go with it: RIFF XR, a showcase of the latest in filmmaking, virtual reality, augmented reality and computer games.

Over the weekend of 9–10 October, Bíó Paradís was turned into a VR lounge. Visitors booked a two-and-a-quarter-hour session and could explore a hand-picked selection of nine experiences from Iceland and around the world, from Emmy winner The Line to Tender Claws' live multiplayer theatre piece The Under Presents. 🔗

RIFF XR was produced by Nanna Gunnars, with technical direction by Owen Hindley. Huldufugl was one of the programme's partners, alongside main sponsor Raw Fury, Aldin Dynamics, Flow, Sideshock VR Lab and Rent a Party.

• The Line – Árvore, Brazil, 12 min
• Battlescar – Atlas V, France, 28 min
• Flow VR – Flow, Iceland, 2021, 4–8 min
• Gloomy Eyes – Atlas V, France, 18 min
• HanaHana – Mélodie Mousset, Switzerland, up to 15 min

• Notes on Blindness – Ex Nihilo, France, 2016, 7 min
• SagaVR (Best of Iceland and Northeast Iceland) – SagaVR, Iceland, 2021, 5 min
• The Under Presents – Tender Claws, USA, up to 30 min
• Waltz of the Wizard – Aldin Dynamics, Iceland, up to 15 min

The programme opened with a free party at Loft Hostel and an evening of futuristic entertainment:

• DJ Flugvél og Geimskip – a mix of music and computer game, performed in motion-capture suits
• Íris Thorarins – a live score to Raw Fury's Sable, as part of 'Live Games, Live Music'
• Úlfur Eldjárn – performing as Aristokrasia, with AR visuals by Owen Hindley