30 Minutes Of Danger

The interactive virtual reality film 30 Minutes Of Danger will have a limited virtual cinema release at the Virtual Reality Cinema in Melbourne over the weekend of December 7 - 9.

In a potentially deadly case of mistaken identity, Nassim is poisoned and must engage in a heart-pumping game of cat and mouse to secure the antidote.

Funded by Screen Australia in partnership with Mind the Gap, Happening Films and The Pulse Originals, the film is a 360 degree interactive film based on the novel 300 Minutes of Danger by bestselling author Jack Heath. The film premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August this year. The film is one of the first VR projects to blend interactivity with narrative, where each viewer is able to control how the film looks in a uniquely visual experience.

The key-creatives are Producer Melody Ha alongside Producer Jannine Barnes and writer/director Grant Scicluna the team behind the highly acclaimed feature film Downriver (MIFF, Toronto 2015) as well as a number of internationally awarded short films.

Cast include newcomer Nicki Bacon as Nassim with Maude Davey (Offspring, Sisters) and Shareena Clanton (Wentworth, Nowhere Boys).

30 Minutes Of Danger is a unique storytelling experience combining the latest in technology with classic narrative drama. From Producer Jannine Barnes "Coming from a traditional film background Grant and I are excited to be working in this innovative and evolving space. Thinking about how best to tell this story of a home invasion with a potentially deadly outcome we used exciting new technology to create a unique experience for viewers that places them literally in Nassim's shoes."

From Writer/Director Grant Scicluna "Entertainment is growing more diverse – big screens, small screens, now headsets. It's an exciting time to have so much choice as a viewer, which means more choice too for filmmakers to be across formats. I loved working in VR for the first time and enjoyed making this tale from Jack Heath's work. For me I was just as interested in creating a virtual world as seeing how that virtual world impacts the viewer's physical body in the here and now. Come along and enjoy 30 Minutes Of Danger"

"30 Minutes Of Danger" is an extraordinary experience, tense and completely immersive. Like a roller-coaster, as soon as it's over you'll want to get right back on!" says author Jack Heath.

The season will launch on Friday December 7th at 6.30 pm with a VIP event sponsored by Bodriggy Brewing for media with Writer/Director Grant Scicluna, Producer Jannine Barnes and key cast and crew in attendance. Author Jack Heath will dial into the event from Canberra via a live feed. The film will screen at regular intervals throughout the evening.

Sessions will then run across the weekend December 8 and 9 every 15 minutes between 1-4pm and 6-9pm. Tickets can be purchased at http://virtualrealitycinema.com.au/tickets/