Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Unveils Groundbreaking Immersive Dome Cinema

On December 18, 2025, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) celebrated the launch of its remarkable immersive dome cinema at the Academy of Film and Creative Technology. This event not only introduced a unique cinematic experience but also marked the opening of the fifth MEGA International Creative Media Festival and the formation of the International Immersive Media Creation Alliance.

The Immersive Dome Cinema

Nestled within the XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang), the immersive dome cinema boasts an impressive 18-meter diameter and equips visitors with an 8K resolution visual experience combined with a state-of-the-art sound system. This innovative cinema is meticulously designed to facilitate a fully immersive digital environment.

Professor Qian Liu, the Dean of the Academy of Film and Creative Technology, highlighted the significance of this new space, stating, "The immersive display environment allows abstract concepts that were once challenging to communicate to become intuitive and tangible. As a pioneering initiative in higher education, the immersive dome cinema establishes an essential platform for interdisciplinary teaching, research, and creative endeavors."

Additionally, Professor Youmin Xi, the Executive President of XJTLU, noted that this new facility introduces a novel spatial paradigm for creative expression. He emphasized the opportunity it provides for faculty and students to investigate the intricate relationship between humans and technology.

The MEGA International Creative Media Festival

Held in tandem with the cinema's launch, the fifth MEGA International Creative Media Festival centered around the theme of "Immersion." This year, the festival served as a global platform for filmmakers, digital media artists, and creative technologists to showcase their work through screenings, competitions, and dialogues. New categories were introduced to include AI-generated content and short-form videos, resulting in a substantial increase in submissions—1,384 entries from 14 countries, a remarkable 67% rise compared to the previous year.

This festival not only recognized the creative talents of fourteen teams and individual creators but also attracted significant attention, with its opening ceremony livestream garnering over 2.07 million views, underscoring the event's growing international popularity.

The themed summit of the festival, entitled "Immersive Future Scene Revolution and Value Innovation Driven by Immersive Media," provided a collaborative space for experts from universities, industry leaders, and creative institutions to delve into how immersive technologies are transforming content creation and spatial experiences for future applications.

Conclusion

The launch of XJTLU's immersive dome cinema symbolizes a substantial leap forward in fostering immersive media education, enhancing creative collaboration, and promoting innovation in the creative technology industry. The establishment of the International Immersive Media Creation Alliance further solidifies XJTLU's commitment to remain at the forefront of immersive media education and practice, reinforcing its position as a global player in shaping the future of digital art and creative technologies.