Cutting-edge virtual reality film "The Calling" shown in Beijing

An audience wearing virtual reality glasses watches the Australian-Chinese feature film "The Calling" in Beijing on Friday, November 2, 2018.[Photo provided to China Plus]

The Australian-Chinese feature film "The Calling", shot with cutting-edge virtual reality technology, was screened last week in Beijing. Former Disney 3D production director Kevin Geiger was among the audience of industry insiders invited to the screening.

By using virtual reality technology, the audience has an immersive, panoramic visual and audio experience of the 70-minute-long film.

A poster for the film "The Calling", which was shot using cutting-edge virtual reality technology.[Photo provided to China Plus]

"The Calling" tells the story of a middle-aged man who suffers from a dual personality disorder. One day, he receives a phone call from a stranger, and by following the stranger's instructions, he sees images of his life falling apart, which drives him into madness and despair.

According to the film's directors, Charles Zhang, a PhD student at Griffith University Film School in Australia, and Jonathan Cui, an independent producer from Canada, "The Calling" is an experimental endeavor that seeks to explore the potential offered up by the cinematic language of virtual reality. The use of virtual reality technology has been relatively limited in mainstream cinema to date.

Audiences wearing virtual reality glasses watch the Australian-Chinese feature film "The Calling" in Beijing on Friday, November 2, 2018.[Photo provided to China Plus]