HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is partnering with National Geographic to brand its digital theater in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration a National Geographic Theater. An official opening event is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at 10:30 a.m.
With this branding partnership, the Center will gain special access to one of the world’s largest giant screen film libraries that includes award-winning films in 2D and 3D digital formats. The Center will commit a portion of programming each year exclusively to National Geographic films. National Geographic has pledged to produce or release two new titles each year, allowing partners such as the Center a first look at films in development and the opportunity to be among the first to release them.
“I am thrilled to announce the Center’s new partnership with National Geographic, a name associated with excellence and innovation,” Dr. Deborah Barnhart, the CEO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, said. “The National Geographic Theater offers our visitors, members and Space Camp trainees access to exciting and educational films they could not experience anywhere else in this region.”
The USSRC is one of only 12 theaters in the country to be named a National Geographic Museum Partner.
“We are honored to be among the small number of select cities to be able to offer movies from National Geographic expansive library of outstanding films,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “This will be highly attractive to our community of lifelong learners.”
“We are excited to have the U.S. Space & Rocket Center onboard as a partner,” said Mark Katz, president of distribution for National Geographic Studios. “In addition to helping bring our engaging films to Huntsville, the Center’s commitment to screen our films will allow us to keep bringing more film content for audiences here and around the world.”
The inaugural films for the National Geographic Theater are “Jerusalem,” “Wildest Weather in the Solar System” and “Electropolis.” “Jerusalem,” narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, gives audiences a rare glimpse of the ancient, storied city, as well as exclusive access to iconic holy sites and little-known parts of the region - including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock, the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee and the mountain fortress of Masada.
Filmmakers were granted special permission in the region’s strict no-fly zone, enabling them to capture the first-ever large format aerial images of the Old City and throughout the Holy Land.
“Wildest Weather in the Solar System” takes audiences on a spectacular journey to witness beautiful, powerful and mysterious weather phenomena on our neighboring planets while
“Electropolis” provides a fascinating look at our all-important electrical grid and how companies are working to prevent blackouts.
The movies will be shown daily. Movie times for “Jerusalem” are 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., with a combined showing of “Electropolis” and “Wildest Weather” at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. through mid-June 2015. Show times and dates are subject to change.
Among the other films available to the National Geographic Theater include “Flying Monsters 3D”, “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure,” “Forces of Nature,” “Meerkats 3D,” and traditional feature-length documentaries including “U2 3D,” “The Wildest Dream,” “The Last Lions” and “Life in a Day.” National Geographic Studios will also provide marketing support to the theaters.
Tickets for National Geographic Theater movies can be purchased as part of a ticketed admission package to the Center or individually. Center members receive a discount on movie ticket prices. For more information, visit rocketcenter.com/movies.
About National Geographic
With a mission to inspire, illuminate and teach, the National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. The member-supported Society, which believes in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world, reaches over 600 million people each month through its media platforms, products and events. National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 research, conservation and exploration projects, and its education programs promote geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com, and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest.