Core Viewpoint - The Shanghai International Film Festival showcases a blend of nostalgia and innovation, particularly through the "Future Cinema" unit that leverages advanced imaging technologies like AR, VR, and MR to enhance audience experience [1][5]. Group 1: Future Cinema Launch - The "Future Cinema" unit, a collaboration between the Shanghai International Film Festival and the Shanghai Putuo District, was launched in 2024, focusing on virtual reality film exhibitions and industry sharing activities [5]. - The unit aims to create a "cinema sample" to promote the development of virtual reality films, responding to the national call for orderly development in this sector [5]. Group 2: Film Showcases - The festival will feature 16 selected films, including global and Asian premieres, with a focus on virtual reality experiences that promise to deliver fresh viewing experiences [7]. - Notable films include "Chang'an 30,000 Miles," which allows viewers to interact with characters and scenes in a historical context, and "Journey to the Center of the Earth," which immerses viewers in a fantastical world based on Jules Verne's classic [7][8]. Group 3: Audience Engagement and Experience - The "Future Cinema" unit offers immersive experiences that connect traditional storytelling with modern technology, enhancing sensory engagement for audiences [5]. - The festival also introduces a "ticket root economy," allowing consumers to engage with local businesses and receive benefits through their cinema tickets, thereby expanding market influence and consumer attraction [22].

Group 1 - Seven virtual reality films are set to be released during the summer season [1] - The films include titles such as "Chang'an 30,000 Li," "Journey to the Center of the Earth," and "The Empire Code: The Tomb of the Qin Emperor" [1] - These films will be showcased in various cities across the country, including cinemas, cultural venues, and commercial districts [1]