The first weekend of programming at Melbourne’s first virtual reality cinema (aptly named Virtual Reality Cinema) will cast a spotlight on director Lester Francois of Studio Bento.

With a focus on street-art projects, Lester allows viewers to make their way through major installations in a series of short documentary films, running back-to-back. Cinema-goers will visit artists in South Africa for ‘Feast Your Eyes’ before being transported back home to witness: RONE’s now destroyed ‘Omega Project’ in Alphington; the immersive ‘Intermission Project’ in Collingwood; and the ‘Wall to Wall’ street art festival in the regional Victorian town of Benalla. All this without leaving Johnson Street, which sounds like a pretty good deal if you ask us.

Lester was particularly drawn to the temporary nature of these four site-specific art installations. The filmmaker’s documentation of the epic RONE work in Alphington has already earned him picks at MIFF and South By Southwest. ‘The medium is perfect for capturing the ephemeral works of street art for a future audience,’ he explains.

Virtual Reality Cinema opens in Collingwood this Friday night from 6pm-9pm, and this debut night is free! But you better hop to it – screenings are limited to only 12 seats each.

For tickets and more information visit virtualrealitycinema.com.au/

Spotlight on Lester Francoise
March 2nd, 6-9pm,
March 3rd, 1-8:40pm
March 4th, 1-8:40pm
Virtual Reality Cinema
178 Johnson Street, Collingwood