High frame rates (HFR) have raised many questions and generated controversial discussions among filmmakers and critics about the cinematic look and the potential of digital innovations. An artistic research project was conducted to test the effects of HFR on visual exploration, presence and emotional reactions. A fictional short film was shot in 96 frames per second (fps) and produced in three frame rates (24* / 48* / 96 fps, *frame rate conversions in postproduction) for a cinematic experiment. These three film versions were presented to 49 participants while their eyes were tracked. All spectators filled out a questionnaire after each film version and described their emotional and cognitive reactions. The analysis of the eyetracking results revealed a significantly higher number of fixations for the high frame rates. This result replicates an earlier experiment with test sequences in HFR. Open questions for filmmakers and for future research projects on HFR will be discussed.