One of nature’s most spectacular events will come alive through the eyes of the youngest members of the animal cast, as they embark on life’s journeys.
The AutoNation® IMAX® 3D Theater at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) will premiere a brand-new Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa documentary film featuring one of nature’s most spectacular events on a scale for which only the giant screen medium can do it justice. The film will open on Friday, January 20.
“We are delighted to bring the breathtaking and educational film, Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa, to our guests providing them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of African wildlife,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science. “At MODS, our mission is to connect people to inspiring science and this film does an extraordinary job of doing just that. It connects and inspires audiences as they learn about conservation and resilience in one of the world’s greatest ecosystems, an important element integral to MODS’ role as the Hub for Resilience Education here in Broward County.”
The Serengeti is the site of an annual migration of more than one million wildebeest, followed by an array of other iconic African animals. Audiences will experience the migration through the eyes of the youngest members of the animal cast, as they embark on their life’s journeys. The film is a labor of love by Michael Dalton-Smith, who has been a wildlife filmmaker roaming the Serengeti plains for 15 years. Dalton-Smith was honored with the Lumiere Award (French Oscar) for the best 3D IMAX documentary film for Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation. He also directed the highly acclaimed Kenya Wildlife Diaries.
According to Dalton-Smith, “One of the stories I really wanted to tell about this place is the fact that it has such a history. People don’t really think about it, but the Serengeti has been there for over a million years.” Due to Covid, Dalton-Smith was able to film in a Serengeti devoid of tourists, a surreal and unique experience he is excited to share with audiences.
African wildlife and conservation are the two biggest passions for Dalton-Smith, who says he was intentional with the cinematography and editing to create an immersive experience, to help people form a connection to the Serengeti like he has. “IMAX films have longer shots, giving time for the audience to look around,” Dalton-Smith explains. “The audio will also give you the authentic sounds of the place and the feeling of being there in person.”
The film’s director of outreach, Mireia Villalonga agrees, “To protect wildlife and these beautiful natural spaces we need people to care. And this can’t just be done by teaching. It has to be felt, it has to be experienced, whether it’s by going on a safari, or to the IMAX theater.” The Serengeti team is joining forces with a diverse group of conservation organizations active in the Serengeti to inspire and educate audiences.
In addition to the film’s global Giant Screen releases, there also are plans for screenings in African communities to foster local conservation efforts. To support teaching ecology and environmental stewardship in classrooms, the film is accompanied by a classroom guide for K-8, aligned to Next Generation Science Standards where applicable.
Serengeti: Journey to the Heart of Africa is produced by Definition Films, and distributed by K2 Studios to IMAX, Giant Screen and other specialty theaters primarily located in natural history museums, science centers, zoos, aquaria and other institutional venues. For more information, please visit serengetifilm.com.
The AutoNation® IMAX® Theater at the Museum of Discovery and Science is located at 401 SW 2nd Street in Fort Lauderdale. Serengeti is included in the MODS Discovery Pass, an all-in-one ticket that includes Museum exhibitions, live science demonstrations and one IMAX documentary film. For tickets, please visit mods.org/tickets and for showtimes, please visit mods.org/showtimes.
