1. Content interpretation
On March 18,2025, Chinas National Film Bureau issued the "Notice on Promoting the Orderly Development of Virtual Reality Films," aiming to deepen the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology with the film industry, regulate emerging business models, and support the goal of building a "film powerhouse." The notice defines virtual reality films as a new cinematic format that combines VR technologies (including augmented reality and mixed reality) for production, is viewed through head-mounted displays, and is publicly screened in cinemas or other safety-compliant venues. These films are characterized by technological convergence, immersive experiences, and standardized screening environments.
Regarding content management, the notice mandates that production entities (legal or non-legal persons) must complete filing and review procedures. Screenplay summaries require filing with the National Film Bureau and obtaining a filing certificate, while completed films must obtain a "Public Screening License" before public screening to ensure ideological, artistic, and entertainment value. For screening venue management, existing cinemas screening VR films must file with local authorities, while other permanent buildings meeting safety standards (such as shopping malls and cultural museums) need to apply for a "Film Screening Operation License" and connect to the National Film Ticketing Management System to achieve standardized supervision.
The development of technical standards serves as a crucial policy lever. Production, distribution, and screening entities must comply with national regulations regarding content creation, terminal devices, playback software, and venue conditions to ensure stability, smooth operation, and security. The "General Technical Specifications for Virtual Reality Films" has completed public consultation, with plans to establish five major industry standards covering content production, equipment, rendering, playback software, and venue requirements. The policy also clarifies industrial support measures, allowing VR films to participate equally in existing film excellence initiatives and cinema subsidy programs. It encourages social forces to innovate in technology R&D, distribution revenue-sharing, and copyright protection, while leveraging the film industrys mature production systems, encryption mechanisms, and talent reserves to empower VR technology development.
It is worth noting that the policy focuses on "expanding the increment", targeting only VR works that meet film standards (such as cinema screening content), without interfering with existing formats such as VR experience exhibitions in cultural tourism attractions and commercial complexes. By standardizing the review process, strengthening technical standards, and integrating industrial resources, the policy not only establishes a sustainable development framework for VR films but also provides institutional safeguards for Chinas film industry to expand new forms and stimulate new momentum.
2. Original policy
Notice of National Film Administration on promoting the orderly development of virtual reality films
Guoying Fa [2025] No.2
Film authorities of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government and all film-related units:
Cinema is a product of the fusion between cultural artistry and technological innovation. In recent years, virtual reality has emerged as a pivotal frontier in high-tech development, offering cinematic audiences groundbreaking audiovisual experiences. To encourage experimentation with new technologies, explore innovative business models, and support the integration of the film industry with virtual reality technology, the following measures are hereby announced in accordance with the "Film Industry Promotion Law of the Peoples Republic of China" and relevant regulations, aiming to facilitate the orderly development of virtual reality films.
1. The term "virtual reality film" as mentioned in this notice refers to a new form of film that is produced by using virtual reality (including augmented reality and mixed reality) related technologies, viewed by using virtual reality terminal devices such as head-mounted display devices, and publicly projected in fixed projection places such as cinemas.
II. Legal entities and unincorporated organizations producing virtual reality films shall comply with the requirements stipulated in the "Film Industry Promotion Law of the Peoples Republic of China" and the "Regulations on Film Script (Synopsis) Filing and Film Management". Entities intending to produce virtual reality films must submit film script synopses to the National Film Bureau for filing (review) procedures. The National Film Bureau will announce approved submissions and issue filing certificates. Upon completion, these entities shall submit their virtual reality films to the National Film Bureau for review and obtain a public screening license in accordance with the law.
III. Support the development and utilization of cinema spaces or other permanent buildings compliant with national safety standards for virtual reality film screenings. For cinema-based VR screenings, film projection facilities may register with the film administration department that approved their establishment. For VR screenings in other buildings, applications for a "Film Projection Operation License" should be submitted in accordance with relevant regulations. All projection venues holding or applying for the "Film Projection Operation License" must be integrated the National Film Ticketing Information Management System.
4. Virtual reality film production, distribution and screening units shall comply with the technical standards stipulated by the state in terms of content production, virtual reality terminal such as head-mounted display equipment, playback software and venues, and shall have good stability, fluency, security and compatibility.
5. Encourage film industry entities and social organizations to actively explore technological development, creative production, and distribution of virtual reality films. Support enterprises in the VR film industry chain to continuously enhance technical capabilities and creative capacities, while advocating innovative integration in areas such as promotional distribution, revenue sharing, and transmission supervision.
6. The National Film Bureau shall provide support and guarantee for the development of virtual reality films. Provincial-level film authorities shall actively promote the development of virtual reality films according to local conditions.
7. The import of virtual reality films shall be carried out in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regulations on the Administration of Films.
8. This Circular shall go effect as of the date of promulgation.
National Film Bureau
March 18,2025
