Today marks the beginning of SXSW’s Virtual Cinema exhibition—and the world premiere of three VR for Good 2018 Creators Lab projects.

The Evolution of Testicles

Ryan Hartsell + Male Cancer Awareness Campaign

A testicular romp through the evolution of man told via CGI, a giant testicle-shaped hot air balloon, and narrator Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, Molly’s Game)—all in the name of bringing awareness to male cancer prevention.

One Eighty

Eren Aksu + Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative

The story of an Indian mother, Vijai Kumari, who spent 20 years behind bars, and her son, Kanhaiya Kumari, who was born in prison—and their quest to clear their names and live in freedom.

Authentically Us: We’re Still Here

Jesse Ayala + Pride Foundation

Aiden Crawford, a Two-Spirit artist and historian in Boise, Idaho, struggles to preserve and revive his heritage in a race against time. Part of Authentically Us—a trilogy from FOVRTH Studios.

By tapping into the experiential nature of VR, these powerful pieces connect with their audiences on a visceral level to spread awareness of important issues facing our society. We can’t wait to share the finished projects with the world.

To Educate and Entertain

If you’re able to check out the Virtual Cinema exhibition at SXSW in Austin this week, here are some other immersive gems you won’t want to miss:

Chorus

Transform into fantastical female warriors in this social VR experience from Tyler Hurd (Old Friend, Chocolate). Six people can band together to battle evil in this epic journey of empowerment, all orchestrated to the song “Chorus” by Justice.

Isle of Dogs: Behind the Scenes (in Virtual Reality)

Come face-to-face with the canine cast of Wes Anderson’s upcoming stop-motion film, while the crew creates the animation around you in this experience from Felix & Paul Studios.

Space Explorers: A New Dawn

A cinematic VR series about the new age of space exploration. Witness the lives of NASA astronauts as they navigate the trials and sacrifices of their training and missions. Space Explorers: A New Dawn shines a light on humankind’s most ambitious journey to understand our planet, our universe, and our origins. Click here to learn more.

SPHERES: Songs of Spacetime

Dive into the heart of a black hole and uncover the hidden songs of the cosmos. In this VR experience, the breakthrough discovery of gravitational waves transforms how we see the universe. Fall into the darkness, and you will find the light. Click here to learn more.

Wonderful You

Narrated by Academy Award nominee Samantha Morton, Wonderful You is a journey through the strange world of your developing senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Available on Rift and Gear VR.

We’re honored to participate in SXSW and celebrate new strides in VR storytelling. Click here to learn more, and stay tuned to the blog this week for in-depth Q&As as part of our VR Visionaries series.

— The Oculus Team