Ugo Arsac

Drawing on the myth of the katabasis—the descent into the underworld—director Ugo Arsac’s interactive audiovisual project explores New York’s underground subway labyrinth, the city’s unknown or invisible layers and spaces. “Katábasis” gives a voice to the people who live in these spaces, work their way through its tunnels, or hide in its nooks and crannies: concealed in unexpected places, their stories collide and resonate, creating a vibrant and complex territory. 

The experience shifts the perspective and reveals the inner workings of the metropolis of New York at the heart of a polarized American society. Audiences can explore this extraordinary project using VR headsets, which open up possibilities for both individual experiences and a collective journey. “Katábasis” was awarded the Palme d’Or for Best Immersive Work at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026 and will be presented at HELLERAU on select dates in October.

The Cannes International Film Festival is one of the world’s most important film festivals and has been held annually in May on the Côte d’Azur since 1946. Since 2024, with its new official section, IMMERSIVE COMPETITION, the film festival has been dedicated to global digital transformation processes and new fields of artistic creativity at the intersections of gaming and the performing arts.