The Metaverse has created a lot of talk about the future of technology, media, and filmmaking. Many operations have been using the Metaverse since the pandemic. Trying to function online gives people a completely new look at online communication. The Metaverse is genuinely changing the idea of what a virtual world could be. The concept of the virtual world, or Metaverse, is cohesion between reality (humans) and growing adaptation with augmented reality.

That Metaverse concept will change how we consume media and watch tv and movies. Through the growth of technology and user experience, the Metaverse will grow to experience the reality in which we currently live. The same can be said about the experience of viewing TV and film, and that format of cinema will transform and exist in a 3-dimensional world.

The first documentary filmed entirely on a social virtual platform VRChat will debut this year's Sundance Film Festival. 22-year-old director Joe Hunting's first film is creating a lot of debate and discussion on the effects of the Metaverse will have on the future of cinema. The 91-minute long film "We Meet in Virtual Reality" focuses on a couple who meets in virtual reality worlds during an epidemic. Romance takes the forefront of the story and explores technology and imagination.

Though the Metaverse is a new and upcoming subject, and the VR world is beginning to grow, this isn’t the first time we have seen augmented reality in films. To create a universe where people can reside virtually has been a concept we imagine in the many wonders of the world of cinema and make those altered realities come to life. Movies like Ready Player One, The Matrix, and Tron, have all created their own versions of the Metaverse.

Mamoru Hosoda's new anime presents a spin on alternative reality, in contrast to Hollywood's usual warped portrayals of virtual life. Time and time again, Hollywood has made a terrifying view of the future of technology, and AI is the enemy to the human race. Hosoda's new anime Belle depicts a refreshing new look to virtual reality's future. Rather than portraying the cruelty of technology, VR is a type of sanctuary and type of salvation for young people in Hosoda's world. The hero Suzu, a lonely introverted teen, living in rural Japan, enters virtual reality and builds a secret alter successful ego, pop sensation.

Joe Hunting's VR film isn't the only one getting attention. The VR film Namoo, written and directed by oscar-nominated filmmaker Erick Oh, follows an artist's journey and his tree of life. It was even shortlisted in the Animated Short Film category for the 94th Academy Awards. It started from this couple of paintings and turned into a 12-minute short, then a 13-minute VR experience. And this is just the beginning of Virtual Reality Films.

Film festivals are bringing even more VR and AR projects into their lineups. The 2022 Sundance Film Festival is kicking off nine days of film premieres, conversations, and immersive experiences. Event organizers have partnered with digital production studio Active Theory to create a spaceship and biodigital showcase via VR headset.

That's not the only VR option for attendees. Use customizable avatars to explore these three virtual worlds during the film festival.

1. New Frontier Gallery – A digital event space where attendees can browse the entire catalog of XR content available as part of the New Frontiere showcase and chat with attendees and festival employees via proximity chat.
2. Cinema House – An immersive stage environment that will serve as the primary venue for various screenings throughout the festival.
3. Film Party – A social space where attendees can chat with Sundance creators about their respective projects using proximity audio and video chat.

There is no telling how far the VR world and the Metaverse will go. One thing is sure, VR storytelling is another platform for filmmakers to express their narratives and create limitless possibilities in the world of cinema. Joe Hunting's VR film is an excellent example for other filmmakers looking to break the boundaries of the film world and the endless possibilities in the virtual world.