Director Steven Spielberg's VR action film "Ready Player One" is playing in Chinese theaters, but he's not the only film aficionado paying homage to the future of technology. Organizers at this year's Beijing International Film Festival are also embracing it with something called the "Forward Future Section". Virtual reality showcases and productions are proving to be highly popular at the festival. Here's a closer look.

This year the Forward Future Section features 16 movies. Besides three Chinese productions, there are 13 from Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the rest of Asia. Most of them are works of first-time directors.

The youngest director is La Huajia, who tells a touching story about a Tibetan boy in the movie Wangzha's Rain Boots.

The movies are being screened at the Beijing Film Institute, China's top movie-making academy. Three productions will be recognized for their merit in production, direction, and screenplay.

HOU GUANGMING VICE CHAIRMAN OF BIFF "The section is meant to nurture the future generation of filmmakers. Film is a comprehensive art that combines artistic and technical understanding. It requires versatile talent. We still have a lot to do in this respect."

Virtual reality movies are another main attraction at the festival. Eight productions are being showcased. Two of them are heading for the Tribeca Film Festival in late April.

Wearing these goggles, the audience can plunge into the setting of the film and fully immerse themselves in the story.

LOU YANXIN CONSULTANT FOR BIFF "The festival first introduced virtual reality films in 2016. This year is the first time it has dedicated a section to VR. I think it is very encouraging to VR filmmakers."

Recent years have seen a surge in demand and attention for VR movies, which are being accepted at major film festivals around the world. CGTN.