NOVEMBER 16, 2018

CHARLOTTE – Backyard Wilderness, a film about finding the unexpected wonders of nature right under our noses, will premiere at the IMAX Dome Theatre at Discovery Place Science on Saturday, Nov. 24. The film arms explorers of all ages with the tools and inspiration to uncover the beauty and surprises of the natural world all around us.

Created by Emmy Award-winning and Oscar^®-nominated filmmakers Andrew Young and Susan Todd, Backyard Wilderness will surprise and entertain viewers with the unexpected delights of nature that are in our own neighborhoods and communities. Spanning a seasonal year around a suburban home, the film displays a stunning array of unique wildlife imagery and behavior – all captured by cameras mounted inside dens and nests and moving along forest floors and pond bottoms.

The 45-minute movie reveals the animal inhabitants in rare and breathtaking detail. We follow Katie, a young girl, and her family members, who are absorbed by an array of electronic devices and, at first, oblivious to the natural world just outside their home. Katie gradually discovers the intricate secrets that nature has hidden close to her front door, and we experience the joy she finds in her interactions with this newly uncovered world.

The film reminds us that Wi-Fi is not the only connection that matters and that sometimes in ordinary places, you can discover extraordinary things that can transform you forever – you just need to step outside.

“We are so excited to share this movie with audiences around the globe,” said SK Films and CEO Wendy MacKeigan. “Not only is the message of the movie important to share, but the beauty of the film and quality filmmaking will be amplified by showing it on the Giant Screen and in IMAX theaters.”

Backyard Wilderness is produced and directed by Arise Media / Archipelago Films in collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and released by SK Films.

“We could not be prouder of this film,” the filmmakers said. “It is imperative to us to encourage children and families to explore the splendor of nature.”

Backyard Wilderness opens Saturday, Nov. 24, and runs through June 28.

Guests can learn more about the wildlife we find in our backyards by combining the film with a visit to the new exhibition, Bug Lab, which opens at Discovery Place Science on Dec. 8. For the first time in North America, giant bug models will serve as tour guides while Museum-goers learn, through a variety of hands-on activities and challenges, how different types of insects live and what kind of impact they have on human innovation.

IMAX tickets are $10 for adults and $9 for children (2-13) and seniors (60 and up). When combined with Museum admission, IMAX tickets are just $5 for all ages. Guests who wish to visit Bug Lab can purchase the Beetle Bundle to receive additional discounts. Showtimes and more information can be found here.

A special “Night at the IMAX” showing of Backyard Wilderness is scheduled for Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with beer, wine and snacks available for purchase from Curio City Kitchen and free parking in the Discovery Place Science parking deck.