The Omnitheater at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul will present a festival of educational films until April 7.
The Omnitheater is a 90-foot-tall and 70-foot-wide building featuring the biggest screen in the Twin Cities area. At the event, viewers can choose from five films that cover a variety of scientific topics.
“There’s a lot of great films that we could bring in, we take care in picking the best ones,” said Allison Leveritt, the immersive media manager at the Science Museum. “Omnifest brings an excitement that is felt throughout the museum and its visitors.”
“Asteroid Hunters” explores the newest technological equipment protecting Earth from potentially disastrous asteroid strikes. It delves into the tactics used by scientists studying asteroids and their attempts to intercept them before they reach our atmosphere.
“My top recommendation for all ages at Omnifest is ‘Pandas,’ which is about, of course, pandas and the researchers who are working to support the panda population,” said Karilyn Robinson, the marketing specialist at the Science Museum.
“Pandas” follows the journey of panda cubs raised in captivity as they get ready for a risky wild trip. Scientists embark on an amazing endeavor to return these cubs to their natural environment, after which the cubs go on a life-changing exploration.
Amazing pictures taken by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope are displayed in the film “Deep Sky.” The viewing experience provides previously unknown information about the universe through the lens of the space agency’s revolutionary telescope.
“Recovering from the Edge” follows the remarkable endeavors of park rangers and international environmentalists as they work to save imperiled species from the verge of extinction. Viewers will learn the tactics and teamwork required to protect the most endangered wildlife species on the planet.
Another digital telescope display, “Stellar Tours: A Star is Born,” takes the audience on a fascinating trip through a star’s life cycle. Watching the amazing changes stars undergo in real-time fosters a new appreciation for the creation and evolution of the universe.
“The imagery of ‘Stellar Tours’ was breathtaking, you could see the vibrant colors of stardust up close. I learned a lot about the lifespan of a star by watching the movie,” said St. Paul resident Howard Chen.
An additional element of excitement is provided by the chance for visitors to attend all five films and gather stamps in an Omnifest Passport. The passport can then be exchanged for a unique gift in the museum’s store.
Omnifest offers a unique chance to discover the wonders of our world through the medium of film. The museum’s website offers a full schedule of film screenings and online ticketing details for those wanting to experience this cinematic adventure.
