For a quarter of a century, the Tennessee Aquarium has shown guests the vast network of animals and environments impacted by a single drop of water as it flows from the mountains to the sea. Audiences at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater will be able to witness a similar journey, set amongst the astonishing vistas and incredible wildlife of “the wildest continent on earth,” when Wild Africa 3D comes to Chattanooga’s largest screen beginning on Friday.
Wild Africa 3D takes viewers on a virtual safari across, over and through some of the wildest places remaining on the planet. From the highest snow-covered mountains in Kenya, along great rivers, into steamy rainforests and wide-open savannahs, Wild Africa 3D reveals the striking contrast of stunning deserts beside wild oceans and the sunlit abundance of the coral reefs.
Although terrestrial environments are featured in plenty of the documentary’s marquee moments of ecological and geographic splendor, water is a star and constant presence throughout the film. It shapes the landscape and conjures up life everywhere along its path. Through the magic of 3D technology, the audience flies along the Great Rift Valley following the twisting rivers to discover a family of elephants on their epic search for water. Other iconic animals featured include hungry crocodiles as they wait at the water holes for the annual wildebeest migration on the savannahs of the Serengeti; a family of mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Rwanda and thousands of flamingos performing an extraordinary mating display along the vast shores of the volcanic Lake Bogoria.
And in a final epic giant screen experience, the movie chases the great rains of the African summer storms that annually bring life to this magnificent continent. “Life flourishes everywhere fresh water exists on our planet,” said Dr. Anna George, director of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute. “We live in one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet because of the geology and climate of the watersheds across the Southeast. This film affords us an opportunity to view how fresh water, moving from the mountains to the sea, has also shaped the ecological communities on another continent.”
"Our aim with Wild Africa was the most ambitious ever 3D wildlife photography for the giant screen,” said co-director and producer Neil Nightingale. “We want to transport audiences on a thrilling journey through Africa to discover how water shapes all life. We filmed in the toughest wild locations using a whole range of photographic techniques to put giant screen audiences right in the heart of some of the most awesome landscapes and dramatic wildlife on earth."
The crew captured footage in 30 locations, transporting tons of camera equipment across 13 countries, over the course of nearly two years. The result is an immersive cinematic experience that is breathtakingly beautiful – especially when shown with the Aquarium’s new IMAX with Laser projection system.
View the official trailer at https://vimeo.com/162584595.
Daily screenings of Wild Africa 3D at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater
Nov. 11 through Dec. 1
· Sunday through Thursday at 11 a.m.; 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
· Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m.; 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m.
Dec. 2 through Jan. 5
· Sunday through Thursday at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.
· Fridays and Saturdays at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m.
Jan. 6 through Jan. 12 (during IMAX Film Festival)
· Daily at 1 p.m.
Admission:
Non-member: $11.95 adults; $9.95 children (3-12)
Aquarium Member: $8.00 adults; $8.00 children (3-12)
IMAX Club pass holders: Free
Purchase tickets online: http://www.tnaqua.org/plan-your-visit/ticket-information
Or, purchase the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Club Pass to see unlimited 45-minute films for one year and enjoy additional pass holder benefits at http://www.tnaqua.org/imax/imax-club.