Fulton County is thrilled to announce the launch of the VR Immersive Horizons Project, an exciting new initiative bringing French virtual reality (VR) film experiences to the Fulton County Library System. With support from Villa Albertine, in partnership with the Albertine Foundation, the Institut Français, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation. VR Immersive Horizons is proud to be a 2025 French Immersion Laureate and present four ground-breaking VR films and experiences from French filmmakers at Diversion Cinema
Starting this spring, library visitors, ages 10+ will have the unique opportunity to engage with immersive VR experiences at the following locations:
- Buckhead Library - Monday, March 17th – Saturday, March 29th
- Central Library - Monday, March 17th – Saturday, March 29th
- Roswell Library - Monday, March 17th – Saturday, March 29th
- Wolf Creek Library - Monday, March 17th – Saturday, March 29th
- Metropolitan Library - Monday, April 7th – Saturday, April 19th
- Milton Library - Monday, April 7th - Saturday, April 19th
- Joan P. Garner Library @ Ponce de Leon - Monday, April 7th – Saturday, April 19th
- Sandy Springs Library - Monday, April 7th – Saturday, April 19th
- East Point Library - Monday, April 28th – Saturday, May 10th
- East Roswell Library - Monday, April 28th – Saturday, May 10th
- Kirkwood Library - Monday, April 28th – Saturday, May 10th
- Palmetto Library - Monday, April 28th – Saturday, May 10th
Curated VR Film Experiences The selected films, each crafted by leading VR filmmakers, offer a range of immersive experiences designed to shift perspectives and enhance understanding of complex themes:
Synopsis: On a miserable hot and dry day, survival depends on a refuge in the forest. Approaching an oak tree, the ground and bark transform to reveal the tree's vital flows, inviting you to connect with its natural choreography.
Creators: Fabienne Giezendanner, Franck Van Leeuwen
Producers: Nasady Film, Zéro de Conduite Production
Format:16 minutes, 6DoF Interactive, allows the viewer to interact with the space in 3D
Themes: Climate nature’s resilience, connection to the environment
Viewing Guidance: Frightening elements of this experience may be uncomfortable for some young viewers and those with sound sensitivity.
Synopsis: Electronic music producer Molécule captures Arctic sounds to inspire his next composition. This cinematic journey takes viewers to the origins of musical creation in the Arctic's frozen expanse.
Creators: Dirty Monitor, La Société des Arts Technologiques
Producers: Zorba, Poolpio, Figure 55
Format: VR 360 Video, 8:35 minutes
Themes: Creativity, soundscapes, environmental exploration
Viewing Guidance: Viewers with sound sensitivity may experience discomfort
Synopsis: Yuri, a Korean woman, recalls a childhood adventure to find her father, a violinist soldier in North Korea. Her journey takes her through a demilitarized zone filled with memories, spirits, and traces of war.
Creators: Fabienne Giezendanner
Producers: Zéro de Conduite, Fauvea Studio, CINÉ-LITTÉ & Studio yog
Format:16 minutes, 6DoF Interactive, allows the viewer to interact with the space in 3D
Themes: Family, memory, the impact of war and borders
Viewing Guidance: Film depicts animated depictions of war and death
Synopsis: A VR journey exploring real-life stories within China’s replicas of Paris, Venice, and London, offering a reflection on urban development and identity.
Creators: Benoit Felici, Mathias Chelebourg Fabienne Giezendanner
Producers: Artline Films, DVgroup, ARTE France
Format: VR 360 Video, 8:35 minutes
Themes: Architecture, globalization, and identity
Viewing Guidance: Film is subtitled in English
These films were carefully chosen to ensure that participants are not only entertained but are also offered new insights and perspectives. Each title brings a unique, perspective-shifting experience, encouraging viewers to explore and interact with narratives in innovative ways.
How to Participate
During the scheduled two-week screening periods, registered library patrons can "check out" these VR experiences. Each participating library will be equipped with VR headsets provided by the Public Art Futures Lab, and librarians will be trained to assist users in setting up and navigating the VR films.
We invite the community to join us in celebrating this blend of art, technology, and storytelling. To find out more about the VR Immersive Horizons Project, including viewing schedules and how to participate, please visit publicartfutureslab.com/vr-immersive-horizons or follow the links to your local library's website.
This project not only marks a significant partnership between Fulton County’s Public Art Futures Lab and Fulton County Library System but also highlights the shared international and local impacts of the ongoing commitment to expanding access to innovative and culturally enriching programming across Fulton County.
About Public Art Futures Lab
Located within the Fulton County Arts & Culture Department, the Public Art Futures Lab is dedicated to exploring the intersection of technology and public art. By providing resources and opportunities for artists and technologists, the lab aims to foster a vibrant cultural ecosystem that supports the creative community and enhances public engagement with the arts.
About Villa Albertine
Villa Albertine is an institution of the French Embassy in the United States, supported by the French government and Albertine Foundation. Villa Albertine’s mission is to strengthen ties between the United States, France and the French-speaking world through culture and education. In the arts and culture sphere, we encourage collaboration among French and US-based organizations and provide creators, thought leaders, and professionals with customized residencies, immersive networking experiences, grants, and connections to audiences so they can explore and share new insights into society’s pressing issues. In the field of education, we craft projects and programs aimed at making French language and culture accessible to young US-based audiences, expand opportunities for students to study and complete internships in France, and support partnerships between French and American higher education and research institutions. Villa Albertine is present in 10 major US cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.
About Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation is the nonprofit advocate and fundraising champion of the Fulton County Library System. Through the Foundation, corporations, foundations and individuals support innovation and community programming at our libraries. Learn more at afplf.org.
