Date: May 18 and 19, 9 am - 6:30 pm

Room: RRST 4.36

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Registration required

Just over a decade ago, the arrival of consumer-grade VR head mounted displays (HMDs) enabled the development of a new form of linear storytelling in digital virtual reality. In industrial and academic settings, this new narrative medium has been referred to as Cinematic Virtual Reality (Dooley 2021; Mateer 2017; Ross and Munt 2018), a label that recognises the adaptation of cinematic conventions and tropes within virtual spaces. The CVR medium continues to be well represented as an important filmic category within programs at major film and XR festivals around the world and has seen significant investments by leading media companies in the past. This symposium takes stock of recent developments in immersive linear storytelling. 

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For enquiries, please contact:
Tim Gruenewald at tgruene at hku.hk

Date: May 5, 4 – 6 pm

Room: CPD 2.24

Registration required

This workshop introduces the foundations of color grading through three sections: 1. Intro to Color Science, 2. Color Management, 3. Color Grading. Mr. Beyer will also demonstrate basic color grading at the example of 8K 180° VR footage in Adobe Premiere Pro. 

Speaker

Mr Alexander Beyer has 20+ years experience in post production with a prolific track record in German and international cinema and television. In the past ten years, he has focused on DIT including data management, image pipeline and color grading.

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For registration, please contact:
Tim Gruenewald at tgruene at hku.hk

Date: April 16, 5 – 7 pm

Room: Arts Tech Lab, RRST 4.35

Registration required

Reframing is a multiplayer VR experience, in which participants collaboratively reimagine a curated series of 360-degree heritage photographs of Hong Kong using generative AI. The images span several sites where the tension between a place and its representation is subtle and embedded, to sites where it is explicit and top-down, like tourist infrastructure. In each site there is a representation of Hong Kong buildings or items visible with the actual object or building.

Participants move through these images together while modifying them through voice and text prompts, and their generative choices become the basis for the reflection session that follows.

Speaker

Dr. Marty Miller’s work focuses on collaborations with imaging communities across East Asia, examining how shared sites are engaged independently. Trained in ethnographic methods, he has conducted field work in the United States, Guatemala, and Sweden. He holds MAs in Visual Culture (Lund University) and Adult Learning (Linköping University), a PhD in Philosophy of Design (Hong Kong Polytechnic University), and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Applied Computing and Interactive Media at the City University of Hong Kong.

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For registration, please contact:
Tim Gruenewald at tgruene at hku.hk

The Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit warmly invites you to the Opening Night launch of an interactive film about mental health in Hong Kong. 

Healing Atmospheres 癒氛 is a technodelic virtual reality film attuned to the environmental temporalities of illness. Through an immersive narrative set in Hong Kong, the film traces a healing journey through multiple therapeutic spaces—hospital wards, TCM clinics, natural landscapes, and local communities—weaving altered perceptions and madness poetics that saturate environments of care. Medical futurism and algorithmic presences shape the tempo and agency of these atmospheres, haunting the subject’s sensorium. The film composes healing as an unstable choreography where spaces are animated by the longing to be otherwise.

Directed by Professor Alex K. Gearin (HKU) and Professor Emily Yu Zong (HKBU) with poetry by Mirium Kwok. 

Opening Night: January 29, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Venue: Arts Tech Lab, 4/F, Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong

Moderated by Professor Tim Gruenewald + Introduction and Q&A with the filmmakers. 

During the Opening Night, visitors are invited to view the film via the Arts Technology Lab VR headsets.

Registration for Opening Night: 
For HKU members:  https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?ueid=104599
For Non-HKU members:  https://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_hdetail.aspx?guest=Y&ueid=104599

Following the Opening Night, the exhibition will run from February 2nd to 5th, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Foyer 4 (Outside Cheung Kung Hai Lecture Theatre 4), G/F, William MW Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam. (Note: This is a different campus to the Opening Night Event.)

The film is supported by The Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine (HKU) in collaboration with the Department of Humanities and Creative Writing, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (HKBU) and the eXtended Humanities Lab, The Faculty of Arts (HKU).

Abstract:

Building on nearly a decade of research and practice in cinematic content design leveraging 3D/XR environments, game engines, and procedural cinematography, this talk will explore current paradigm shifts in 3D content design. On one hand, the latest 3D capture and reconstruction technologies make it possible to create high-fidelity virtual representations and digital twins of real-world objects and locations. On the other hand, the capabilities of Al 3D synthesis reduce the complexity of generating such assets by leveraging the power of Al model. This convergence raises a central question: How can capture- based and synthetic 3D content generation reshape creative practices in real-time 3D/XR media design for visualization, storytelling, and gameplay use cases? To explore this question, the presentation will delve into Dr. Mirocha's creative projects and research on emerging 3D design pipelines, as well as provide several industry and artistic case studies. This talk is addressed to all interested in the current state and

future of digital media and the role of Al in game design, media arts, and storytelling at large.

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Speaker's Bio:

Dr. Lukasz Mirocha is a research and design professional specializing in immersive and real-time 3D media, Generative Al, 3D Gaussian Splatting, and Al world models. He founded Opus Lab to advance spatial media and 3D imaging through strategic industry collaborations, delivering exploratory research, proof-of-concept demonstrations, training, and consulting services globally. As a Research and Practice Fellow at the Visualization Research Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University, he researches emerging Al cinematography, storytelling, and real-time moving image workflows, while teaching XR/AI-based 3D design and theory courses at universities in Asia and Europe. From 2021 to 2024, he held a government-funded Post-doctoral Research Fellowship at the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University, exploring game engine-based design techniques for 3D, interactive, and video content for art, entertainment, and visualization. Mirocha holds a PhD from the School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong (2021). His research has been published on new media, digital aesthetics, and digital arts/design, with artworks exhibited internationally.​​

For information, please contact:
Ms. Miffy Leung, TALIC
Phone: 3917 8182; Email: miffylhy@hku.hk

Abstract:

Have you been thinking about experimenting with Virtual Reality (VR) teaching in your classroom? Join us for a discussion about what we have learned from our use of VR to teach about the human past. This seminar will examine how VR can enhance student engagement, foster spatial and visual learning, and provide immersive, hands-on experiences that may be lacking in traditional teaching methods. As technology continues to advance, it is essential that we examine and discuss both the fascinating theoretical foundations and the broad practical applications of VR in the classroom.

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This seminar will be guided by insights from our pedagogical research. We will discuss VR’s role in teaching archaeology, particularly how it enables students to interact with 3D reconstructions of ancient sites, improving their spatial awareness and comprehension of past physical contexts. By immersing students in digital environments, VR can replicate aspects of fieldwork, making archaeological education more accessible and inclusive. We will also present some theoretical underpinnings of VR in education, emphasizing embodied and experiential learning, as well as spatial and visual learning. VR enhances cognitive engagement by allowing students to move through virtual spaces, manipulate digital objects, and develop a deeper understanding of complex subjects.

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We will touch briefly on the use of VR in education beyond archaeology. From architecture and science to engineering and medical training, VR offers a dynamic approach to learning that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. However, integrating VR into the curriculum presents several challenges, including technological barriers, costs, and accessibility concerns. We will discuss these limitations and explore potential solutions for making VR a more feasible and effective tool for educators. During the event, there will be demonstrations of VR usage in educational settings and participants will have a chance to try our VR headsets with their immersive tours.

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By the end of the event, the goal is for attendees to enhance their understanding of the educational value of VR and develop practical strategies for incorporating it into their own teaching. Whether you are new to VR teaching or are already experimenting with its application, this seminar will provide a place to discuss how immersive technology can transform the ways we teach and learn. We look forward to an engaging conversation and the opportunity to collectively reimagine the future of education through VR.

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Speaker's Bio:

Prof. Peter J. Cobb is an assistant professor in the School of Humanities in the HKU Faculty of Arts who researches archaeology and digital humanities. He has conducted archaeological fieldwork in Armenia, Laos, and Turkey, focusing on the Late Bronze and Iron Ages (1600 BCE–600 CE) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. As the director of the Ararat Plain Southeast Archaeological Project (APSAP), he collaborates with the Armenian Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, applying digital methods like 3D spatial data collection and data science to analyze ancient material remains. Prof Cobb teaches courses on archaeological methods, theories, and the ancient world, including an experiential learning field school in Armenia. He also serves as Deputy Director of the BA program in Humanities and Digital Technologies at HKU.

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For information, please contact:
Ms. Miffy Leung, TALIC
Phone: 3917 8182; Email: miffylhy@hku.hk

Join us on Alumni Day to explore the AR Memory DC App, an interactive way to engage with the hidden and often-overlooked histories of the National Mall.

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Use the AR function to discover virtual historical markers and uncover stories beyond traditional memorials. Check the map to find all available locations and dive deeper into history.

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We welcome your feedback to help improve the experience!

Please join us to experience two virtual reality exhibitions through VR headsets. The exhibitions were created by students of AMER 2052 - Studies in US Culture and Society and cover the following topics:

1. Populist Nationalism and Media in the United States

2. U.S. Wars: Vietnam and Afghanistan

3. Resilient Communities: Native American Survivance and Cultural Revival

4. African Americans, Inequity, and the U.S. Criminal Justice System

All are welcome. 

Abstract:

In recent years, virtual reality has been embraced by storytellers working in fiction, and/or documentary realms to create memorable, immersive experiences. Viewed through head mounted display (HMD) goggles, a VR story world is spherical in nature, unfolding in 360-degrees around the spectator who experiences a sense of presence in the world. This phenomenon, which is fostered by VR technology, transforms story into simulation for a viewer who may be able to directly interact with characters or objects. 

Noting the experiential nature of VR projects, this presentation seeks to explore the storytelling techniques, structures and approaches to narration that contemporary works adopt. It will focus on ‘environmental storytelling’ (Carson 2000; Jenkins 2004) a concept drawn from theme park and video game discourse, discussing how this is evident in a range of recent case studies. Specifically, the presentation will consider how VR stories allow users to ‘enact narrative’ and/or how narrative may be drawn from objects that are discovered by the user.  These environmental storytelling techniques will be interrogated alongside narrative strategies that are commonly utilised in VR, such as the use of voice over or direct address to the spectator, to question the specificity of storytelling in this interactive medium.

Speaker's Bio: 

Associate Professor Kath Dooley is a writer/director and academic based at the University of South Australia. Her creative work has screened at events such the Busan International Short Film Festival and the International Festival of Virtual and Augmented Reality Stories (FIVARS), Toronto. Kath is author of Virtual Reality Narratives: Embodied Encounters in Space (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024), Cinematic Virtual Reality- A Critical Study of 21st Century Approaches and Practices (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021) and co-editor of Screenwriting for Virtual Reality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024). Her research interests include embodiment in the context of screen media, virtual reality and screenwriting, women’s screen industry practice, and diversity in the screen industries. 

We will discuss two of Professor Kath Dooley's recent publications and explore the challenges and opportunities of pursuing creative work at a research university. Please read the following two papers before the seminar:

1. Dooley, Kath, Stayci Taylor, and Craig Batty. “Crafting Immersive Experiences: A Case Study of the Development of Three Short Narrative Cinematic Virtual Reality (CVR) Projects.” The Palgrave Handbook of Script Development. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing AG, 2021. Pages 503–515. Available at HKU library.

2. Dooley, K. (2024). Virtual Reality Narration: Listening to and Reliving Stories Through First-Person Testimony. In: Virtual Reality Narratives. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. Available at https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-64965-3_3 .

Kindly register here (HKU Portal login required), or email Stephanie Wong (swsswong at hku.hk). 

In this workshop, we will view and discuss two VR documentary films by Professor Kath Dooley: Inside Earthship Freo (2019) and Impact: Beyond the Night Sky (2020). Together with the filmmaker, we will explore the process of writing and directing for VR at the example of the two films. We will also look into the technical aspects of VR filmmaking and challenges and opportunities of distribution. 

Speaker's Bio: 

Associate Professor Kath Dooley is a writer/director and academic based at the University of South Australia. Her creative work has screened at events such the Busan International Short Film Festival and the International Festival of Virtual and Augmented Reality Stories (FIVARS), Toronto. Kath is author of Virtual Reality Narratives: Embodied Encounters in Space (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024), Cinematic Virtual Reality- A Critical Study of 21st Century Approaches and Practices (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021) and co-editor of Screenwriting for Virtual Reality (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024). Her research interests include embodiment in the context of screen media, virtual reality and screenwriting, women’s screen industry practice, and diversity in the screen industries. 

Since the arrival of consumer grade virtual reality (VR) technology

around 2015, VR has emerged as a new narrative medium. This

workshop introduces how narrative VR can be used for teaching

and learning in the humanities. We will begin with a brief

introduction to modern VR technology and VR film. Drawing on a

virtual field trip to the United States and two introductory

courses taught at HKU, I will provide examples of how I used VR as

a complementary tool to teach history and contemporary social

issues in the United States. All participants will receive a VR

headset to experience all VR films discussed in the workshop.

Finally, we will consider best practices of using VR for teaching

and learning and look at an example of a VR exhibition that was

created as a student assignment in a recent course.

Participation is limited by the number of VR headsets.

- Tim Gruenewald

The Arts Tech Lab is organizing a workshop on Unreal Engine. Participants will discover the tools, techniques, and workflows that power today’s most engaging real-time experiences. Experience the technology that powers stunning virtual worlds using the latest Unreal Engine 5 features, including Lumen and Nanite.
Break free from traditional linear CG workflows and embrace the power of procedural production with our Houdini workshop. Designed for Educators, 3D artists and students, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create groundbreaking digital content.

For more information, click here. 

About the Trainer

Douglas Leong is the founder and Director of Radiance60, an Unreal Authorized Training Center in Singapore. As an Unreal Authorized Instructor, he trains top studios and institutions worldwide. With a focus on Asia, Douglas is a frequent speaker at industry events like SiggraphAsia and Unreal Educator Summit. He has also shared his expertise with organizations like the Brunei Economic Development Board and the United Architects of the Philippines.