An alliance dedicated to developing virtual reality (VR) technology in filmmaking was established in Beijing on Saturday with an aim to promote the high-quality development of the industry.
The alliance gathers over 20 universities, research institutes and companies to create a collaborative platform integrating government, industry, academia and research sectors.
VR films represent a new cinematic format that utilizes VR technologies in production and is viewed through head-mounted displays in fixed venues like movie theaters.
In 2025, the China Film Administration incorporated VR films into its regulatory framework, granting them the "Dragon Label", China's official film release permit, for the first time.
At Beijing's first authorized "Hyper Vision" VR cinema in 798 Art Center, multiple VR and XR (extended reality) films are currently on showing, including "Nobody XR, "Mulan 2125: Birthday Protocol," "Journey to the Center of the Earth," and "Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace."
Wearing head-mounted displays, audiences can instantly immerse themselves in the films, exploring scenes through head and body movements, transforming from spectators to participants, while technologies like gesture recognition and eye tracking enable virtual-real space interaction.
After its establishment, the alliance will focus on promoting collaborative innovation across multiple areas including technological research, content creation, review standards, screening models, talent development and international cooperation to advance the high-quality growth of VR film industry.
New VR film industry alliance established in Beijing
Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across Tel Aviv on Saturday as Iran launched missile attacks at Israel, forcing residents to seek cover in underground spaces.
Earlier in the day, the United States and Israel launched "major combat operations" against Iran, prompting retaliation from Iran and plunging the war-torn Middle East into a new round of violence.
"It's 10:30 local time, 8:30 GMT. And you can hear sirens sounding in Tel Aviv, the first sirens for months here. We heard sirens in northern communities before. Now we're hearing sirens here in Tel Aviv. As I'm doing this, I'll be approaching the shelters. People behind me, you can see rushing to shelters, not in a very quick way, but people are not remaining in the streets," said Jonathan Regev, a reporter with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Regev visited an underground parking lot that has been repurposed as a bunker, accommodating dozens of people after early warnings were issued.
"So for the 5th, or 6th time maybe -- it's hard to keep track -- sirens are sounding in Tel Aviv today. And here you can see behind me. As soon as the sirens are sounding, people are rushing to this place. It's not even an official shelter, but rather an underground parking lot and underground compound. You can see people. They are rushing right behind. More and more people are coming," Regev said.
Despite multiple sirens, there was no visible panic as residents followed instructions to remain under cover until the all-clear signal was given.
"I have to say, no real panic. People may be even finding solutions for a longer stay. And this is the situation here today. It will probably be the situation for quite some time to come. The instruction now is that people have to wait here at least for another 10 minutes or so until the all-clear siren comes from the home front command. This is just one example of the underground parking lot in the city of Tel Aviv. Tens such places exist in the city and in many other cities as well," Regev said.
Tel Aviv residents take shelter as sirens sound repeatedly across city
