People in Shanghai can experience how new technology is being integrated with filmmaking during the Shanghai International Film Festival. The SIFF's "Vision Lab" was set up to showcase how virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and extended reality (ER) are shaping the movie industry as well as our future.

At the Push Art Center in Putuo district, a twist on "The Journey to the West" was created, with a VR version of the 170-year-old tale designed to look more futuristic.

The motion capture system monitors the movements and gestures of the actor in real time and sends the data to a computer. Once in the system, the actor's appearance and voice can be modified with just a few keystrokes and mouse clicks.

"I do think the latest technology will enable new possibilities for film industries and the entertainment industry. I believe AR, VR and mixed reality will be working and moving forward in parallel with the film industry," said Lou Yanxin, the founder of Sandman Studio. "One of the most challenging things is that people have to cope with how technology is moving forward. We have to learn and cope with the technology right now in order to see what they will be able to provide us with. Because we cannot learn as quickly as machines."

Using these cutting-edge technologies, people can vicariously experience what it's like to dive deep into the ocean and dance with jellyfish, climb the Alps or even blast off into outer space. One young visitor called Ou Haofei said he had never experienced VR technology while lying down before, because most VR games and movies don't offer a full 360-degree space. "I really feel like I'm in space. I wish I could use this at home," he said after trying a demonstration onsite.

Some 30 movies are available during the film festival, including six that are making their premieres in China. However one of the most popular attractions is a four-player, mixed reality game called "Eggscape." It is a collaboration between Sandman Studio and 3dar from Argentina.

"These VR headsets provide 360-degree views of the movie (scenes), so you can be fully immersed in the experience, and be part of the action instead of just watching," said Zhang Yue, a local reporter and critic.

"Interactivity might be the top reason why more people are getting into VR, as viewers can make choices that impact the storyline and outcome of the movie." Che Lin, curator of Vision Lab, said they have made at least 10 VR devices available so people could feel the benefit of fully immersing themselves in movies and games. "Dome-screen movies are also available here, as well as interactive dancing. We want people to really walk into the movie and be a part of it."

Research institute Omdia estimates that total consumer spending on VR devices and content will reach 7.5 billion US dollars by 2026, with over 70 million VR headsets being in use globally that year. The value of VR hardware and software will increase to 16 billion US dollars by that deadline, up from 6.4 billion in 2021, it said.