Top image: Tye Sheridan in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ © Marvel Entertainment 2016

It’s an exciting time for storytelling: from the major players like Fox and Paramount to indie-production studios, filmmakers worldwide are exploring the possibilities of virtual reality, creating groundbreaking films that translate the multidimensional experience of a live performance to the cinema screen. Like with any film format, what’s important is that there are platforms to take these projects from the cutting room to a broader audience, and that’s where festivals like LA’s HollyShorts come in.

Now, actor and HERO 15 cover star Tye Sheridan is playing a part in the virtual reality cause: he and Nikola Todorovic, co-founders of VR production company Aether, are launching a new programme called VR Experience at this year’s HollyShorts. Sheridan and Todorovic will be heading the VR jury, curating the VR experience and talks which will take place at the TCL Chinese Theatre and Roosevelt Hotel from 10–19th August.

“We are extremely honoured to be a part of the festival this year,” commented Sheridan and Todorovic. “HollyShorts is one of our favourite festivals as it truly encourages artists to express their voice. It’s really thrilling to help bring the new VR category to the festival, especially now that VR storytelling is growing at such a rapid pace and opportunities for VR filmmakers to showcase their work are still limited.”

Recently named an Academy Awards film festival, HollyShorts has built a reputation for showcasing the best and brightest short films from around the globe. Their annual series of screenings, film labs and networking events have helped launch the careers of filmmakers like Rayka Zehtabchi, Jamie Donoughue and Mitsuyo Miyazaki.

The 13th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival will take place in Los Angeles, CA from the 10-19 August 2017.