Presented by the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium

 Lights, camera, full immersion! ROC 360° is back—and bigger than ever!

This unique 360° film festival invites creators from all backgrounds to craft short, immersive works designed for dome and VR viewing. Whether you're exploring narrative storytelling, experimental visuals, or animated worlds, this is your chance to push the boundaries of spherical cinema.

 New this festival: New categories and prizes!

Submit a film (live action) or an animation (CGI, motion design, or hybrids). 
 Your film on the big dome! The winning entry will be showcased as the official pre-show to The Sky Tonight, playing before every performance from January 3 – March 29, 2026.

Other prizes include: 

• One Insta360 X5
• JBL Go 4 Wireless Bluetooth speaker
• Projector WiFi Portable Movie Projector
• Wireless Beats headphones
   

 Key Dates:

• September 15 – Festival Kickoff
  Workshops begin and equipment becomes available. Time to start filming!
   
• September 23 – Studio X 360° Recording Workshop #1
  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Carlson 103, U of R
  Learn how to use 360° cameras, plan your shots, think spatially, edit, and prepare for dome/VR presentations.
   
• October 7 – Studio X 360° Recording Workshop #2
  3:30 PM - 5:00 PM, Carlson 103, U of R
  Learn how to use 360° cameras, plan your shots, think spatially, edit, and prepare for dome/VR presentations.
   
• November 20, 5-7 PM – Entry Deadline & Test Day at the Planetarium
  Submit a working version of your piece and test it on the dome. Make adjustments based on how it plays in the space.
   
• November 28 – Final Submissions Due
  This is the version that will be judged and screened.
   
• December 4, 5–7 PM – ROC 360° Festival Premiere at the Planetarium
  Celebrate the screening of all accepted works on the dome and in VR. Awards are announced at 6:30 PM.

Registration:

To get started, please register using this form.