Museum of Science Hosts World Premiere of Jerusalem
Opens September 20 at the Mugar Omni Theater
BOSTON, September 13, 2013— Jerusalem: sacred to half the people on earth; fought over more than any other place in history; conquered and destroyed, rebuilt and reinvented repeatedly over 5,000 years. Now, for the first-time ever, a new giant screen film adventure immerses audiences in a spectacular cinematic journey—soaring high above the Holy Land and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City—so they can experience as never before the iconic sites cherished by billions. On Friday, September 13, 2013, the Museum of Science’s Mugar Omni Theater will premiere JERUSALEM, a captivating new film that explores on a grand scale the intersection of science, history and religion in this enigmatic city.
Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch ("Star Trek into the Darkness," PBS's "Sherlock"), JERUSALEM 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.
Audiences will discover why this tiny piece of land is sacred to three major religions through the stories of Jewish, Christian and Muslim families who call Jerusalem home. They will also join renowned archaeologist, Dr. Jodi Magness, as she travels underground to solve some of this city’s greatest mysteries. Find out why, after thousands of years, Jerusalem and the Holy Land continue to stir the imagination of billions of people.
“We are excited to introduce our visitors to such a remarkable film about one of the world’s oldest and most extraordinary cities, and thrilled to host the film’s world premiere in our Mugar Omni Theater,” said Paul Fontaine, Museum of Science vice president of education. “JERUSALEM explores how the city became a vital cultural crossroads and of spiritual importance to three of the world’s major religions, and how its historical, artistic, and religious significance has influenced so many different cultures.”
An original production from Cosmic Picture and Arcane Pictures and distributed by National Geographic Entertainment, the 43-minute large format film was executive produced by the late Jake Eberts, legendary producer of movies such as “Gandhi,” “Chariots of Fire,” and “Dances with Wolves”; produced by Taran Davies, George Duffield and Daniel Ferguson; and written and directed by Daniel Ferguson. Large format industry veteran Reed Smoot, ASC is Director of Photography.
“With this extraordinary film’s immersive experience, audiences will feel as if they are really walking the streets of this beloved and iconic place,” said Lisa Truitt, president of National Geographic Entertainment.
"Through the unrivaled beauty, visceral nature and incredible technology of the giant screen format, you feel as if you are experiencing Jerusalem up-close and first-hand," said writer/director Daniel Ferguson.
The Mugar Omni Theater is New England's only IMAX® Dome theater, and continues to provide visitors with some of the world's most awe-inspiring experiences via its five-story-high screen and heart-thumping surround sound system. The Omni Theater has welcomed more than 17.5 million visitors, transporting them to some of the world's most wondrous places.
JERUSALEM is sponsored by MathWorks. Admission to the Mugar Omni Theater is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (60 +) and $8 for children (3-11).For information on tickets and showtimes, please call 617-723-2500, 617-589-0417 (TTY) or visit the Museum's web site at mos.org.
About the Museum of Science
One of the world's largest science centers and Boston's most attended cultural institution, the Museum introduces about 1.5 million visitors a year to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) via dynamic programs and hundreds of interactive exhibits. Founded in 1830, the Museum was first to embrace all the sciences under one roof. Highlights include the Thomson Theater of Electricity, Charles Hayden Planetarium, Mugar Omni Theater, Gordon Current Science & Technology Center, 3-D Digital Cinema and Butterfly Garden. Reaching 25,000 teens a year worldwide via the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, the Museum also leads a 10-year, $41 million National Science Foundation-funded Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network of science museums. The Museum’s "Science Is an Activity" exhibit plan has been awarded many NSF grants and influenced science centers worldwide. Its National Center for Technological Literacy®'s engineering curricula have reached more than 55,600 teachers and 4.2 million students nationwide. The Museum has also: been recognized by Boston and Cambridge for its energy and sustainability efforts; named an Employer of Choice by Work Without Limits, a Massachusetts disability employment initiative; is Yankee Magazine's "Best of New England Readers' Choice" for Cultural Attraction in Science; is El Planeta's Best Tourist Attraction for the Massachusetts Latino population; and Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun was recognized as the "Best Immersive—Fulldome Program" by the Jackson Hole Science Media Awards. Visit http://www.mos.org. Follow the Museum of Science on Twitter at @MuseumOfScience or Facebook at www.facebook.com/museumofscience.
Erin Shannon: 617-589-0250 or email@example.com
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