Doug Liman showcases immersive sci-fi experience at Venice Film Festival

In Venice, Italy, at the Film Festival, director Doug Liman presented a twelve-minute sci-fi thriller that explores the effects of greed and survival. The short film, titled Asteroid, tells the story of astronauts who encounter an asteroid made of diamonds and gold, leading them to confront each other's motives and actions in a tense environment. Liman, known for his works like The Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow, aims to challenge traditional storytelling through the use of new technology. This piece utilizes Google's AndroidXR platform and was specifically adapted to take advantage of the immersive features offered by Samsung’s Project Moohan mixed reality headset. The film features an ensemble cast led by Hailee Steinfeld as the character Anna, whose evolving motives contribute to the narrative's complexity. Alongside Steinfeld, Freida Pinto, Rhenzy Feliz, Leon Mandel, and NFL star DK Metcalf star in the film. Ron Perlman portrays the quirky billionaire financing the mission, reinforcing the theme of greed as the astronauts navigate their journey in a cramped Soyuz capsule. The narrative structure suggests a profound exploration of perspective, drawing comparisons to acclaimed films such as Kurosawa's Roshomon where conflicting points of view reveal deeper truths. In parallel to the film, a digital AI-driven extension was created, allowing viewers to interact with a simulated version of DK Metcalf’s character after the film ends. This innovation marks a significant leap into interactive storytelling, as the experience allows for a deeper connection to the narrative. This project reflects the founders' vision at 30 Ninjas to push the boundaries of how stories are told in a digital era, stepping away from the conventional studio approach. By employing advanced animation techniques using Unreal Engine, the film immerses viewers in a claustrophobic environment that parallels the emotional stakes of its characters. Asteroid serves as a showcase title for AndroidXR, hinting at the future possibilities of cinematic experiences in virtual reality. Max Spear, Google’s XR Product Manager, emphasized Asteroid’s spot as a pivotal component of the first AndroidXR headset's launch slated for September 29th. This integration of technology and storytelling redefines the spectator experience, positioning Asteroid as a promising example of what Hollywood can achieve when leveraging modern technologies in filmmaking.