Culture
2019.04.05 20:02 GMT+8

Dome theater &VR among highlights at event's 9th edition

By Shen Li

We are just a little over a week away from this year's Beijing International Film Festival. The event's 9th edition officially opens next Sunday, with a focus on the latest technology. 

Features like dome films, and VR interactions will make a night at the movies, no doubt, more immersive. This is all according to organizers, who gave a preview of the festival at the China Science and Technology Museum.

An awe-inspiring view of space. The special full dome show entitled "Explore" officially launched this year's science and technology section of the film festival, as it continued the trend of creating visual feats under the dome to enhance the immersive experience for the public. 

Organizers launch the science and technology section of the 9th Beijing International Film Festival. /BJIFF Photo

And this is just a glimpse into the total of 31 films with special effects that will be screened at the four theaters at the museum, including the dome theater, the Dynamic Motion Theater, the IMAX theater and a 4D theater that presents 3D movies with environmental effects like smell and touch.

Wei Jinghua, deputy director of China Science and Technology Museum, shared with CGTN: "There will be film screens featuring the latest film technology like dome theater, with 8k definition. And we'll have special screens of films about scientists, so people could know more about these unsung heroes, and how they make scientific breakthroughs and tackle difficulties."

After a major renovation in 2016, the museum is ready to further engage the public through innovative ways. 

Space suits from the film "The Wandering Earth" are on display at the China Science and Technology Museum. /CGTN Photo

"Nowdays, there's a growing interest in science among the young people, so every now and then we would design something to cater to their cravings for science. In the west yard, we have a VR interactive zone where you can drive a moon rover or experience how astronauts conduct experiments with zero gravity," Wei added.

Visitors could also enjoy an exhibition featuring space suits and other props from the sci-fi film "The Wandering Earth" at the museum's main exhibition hall.

Directed by Frant Gwo, the film adapts Hugo Award-winning author Liu Cixin's story about a desperate mission to save a doomed Earth.

Space suits of the film "The Wandering Earth" are on display at the China Science and Technology Museum. /CGTN Photo

A series of suits equipped with highly technical exoskeletons, domed helmets and specialty backpacks allow a closer look at the science and craft behind the movie. 

(Top image: Press conference of science and technology sector of the 9th Beijing International Film Festival is held at China Science and Technology Museum. /BJIFF Photo)

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