Adventures in Storytelling: Pioneering the Future of Immersive Arts in DerryAdventures in Storytelling: Pioneering the Future of Immersive Arts in Derry

Designed to inspire and empower artists, technologists, and creatives of all levels, the event offers a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore revolutionary tools, and learn about groundbreaking projects that are redefining the art of storytelling in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Unlocking the Potential of Immersive Arts

Northern Ireland has firmly established itself as a hub of creative innovation, and Adventures in Storytelling highlights this growing reputation. The event will explore everything from the latest advancements in filmmaking to community-driven digital narratives, promising an inspiring day for attendees across the creative spectrum.

Here’s what’s in store:

Virtual Production: The Future of Storytelling

Donal Phillips from MediaLab at Queen’s University Belfast will take audiences behind the scenes of virtual production, an emerging technology revolutionising the creative process in film and theatre. With insights into pre-visualisation, production, and beyond, this session offers a glimpse into the future of storytelling.

Innovative Motion Capture and AR in Storytelling

c21 Theatre Company and Aura Digital Studios, in collaboration with Deaf artist Paula Clarke, will showcase a pioneering project using Rokoko motion capture gloves. The resulting British Sign Language (BSL) performance, accessible through a cross-platform app, demonstrates how technology can foster inclusivity and amplify community voices.

Exploring XR and Digital Art

Richard Davis from Belfast’s Digital Arts Studios (DAS) will lead a hands-on session introducing the tools powering immersive storytelling, including Blender, Unreal Engine, and Unity. Attendees will witness live demonstrations of scanning technology and learn how XR tools can become accessible for all creatives.

Building Creative Pathways with Ulster University & Ulster Screen Academy's Support

Dr. Victoria McCollum, Director of Development and External Partnerships, explains:

"At Ulster University, students have the opportunity to explore experiential and immersive storytelling across campuses. Our university-industry partnerships, such as our alliance with Nerve Centre and Foyle Film Festival for the Adventure’s in Storytelling events, helps the creative industries to grow, develop, and diversify the talent pipeline, especially in areas such as virtual and augmented reality, 360 spherical film, and interactive theatre."

Driving Innovation in Northern Ireland

This event is part of the Immersive Arts UK programme, which supports artists in exploring, experimenting, and expanding their use of immersive technologies. With £3.6 million in funding, the programme is a game-changer for the UK’s creative industries, particularly in Northern Ireland.

Colm O’Donnell, Immersive Arts Producer at Nerve Centre, reflects on the programme’s significance:

"Adventures in Storytelling comes at a pivotal moment for Northern Ireland’s creative community. Immersive Arts UK is helping artists break new ground, embracing innovative technologies to tell stories in transformative ways. By building strong foundations through exploration and development, we’re driving meaningful change in how art is created and experienced. This event not only celebrates the exceptional work already being done here but also sets the stage for future collaborations and breakthroughs."

Adventures in Storytelling is now in its second year with the partnership between Nerve Centre, Foyle Film Festival and Ulster University going from strength to strength.

Foyle Film Festival Industry Programmer Eavan King says:

“Foyle Film Festival and Ulster University recognise the importance of directly connecting our existing skills programmes to platform new ideas and strengthen the talent pipeline for the immersive production industry. Co-curating with Immersive Arts this year opens up fresh discussions and debates on cutting-edge technology and its impact on traditional storytelling forms, bringing together industry research and innovation at our festival. Sharing new ideas, forging connections, exploring innovative ways of working, and enjoying great screen content are what the Foyle Film Festival industry programme is all about. We thank Ulster University for supporting this exciting event.”

Event Highlights

• 10.45am: Exploring XR and Digital Art — Hands-on demos and practical insights from Digital Arts Studios.
• 11.30am: Virtual Production: The Future of Storytelling — An in-depth look at virtual production with Donal Phillips.
• 2.30pm: Innovative Motion Capture and AR in Storytelling — A showcase of inclusive and community-driven storytelling projects.

Running from 10.30am to 4pm, this free event invites attendees to explore how immersive technologies are shaping the future of storytelling.

Join the Movement

Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about where storytelling is headed, Adventures in Storytelling offers an unforgettable day of discovery and inspiration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting journey at Foyle Film Festival.

See full line up on What's On.