As part of Induction Days at the New Mexico Museum of Space History, the H.G. Wells and Jules Verne Film Fest will be held October 16-18. The film fest is a tribute to Inductees Verne and Wells and will premiere selected classic films based on their works. It will be held at the Tombaugh Theater on the campus of the museum.
The H.G. Wells & Jules Verne Film Fest will premiere the 1902 short film A Trip to the Moon, the 1959 release ofJourney to the Center of the Earth, the 1953 release of War of the Worlds, and the 2011 Academy Award winning film Hugo.
“What better way to honor the legacy of Wells and Verne than to showcase the vision that inspired generations of space explorers,” said Museum Executive Director Chris Orwoll. “We’re also very excited to see what the public response is to the film fest, as we approach, over the next few months, a complete renovation inside the theater. The response will help us gauge how we should move forward to best serve the interests of our visitors,” he added.
A Trip to the Moon is a silent film from French director Georges Méliès was inspired by Jules Verne (and possibly H.G. Wells). It was named as one of the 100 greatest films of the 20th Century by The Village Voice. Méliès himself leads the cast of French performers as Professor Barbenfouillis who leads his team of astronomers on an amazing trip to the moon in a cannon-propelled capsule. Regarded as the earliest example of science fiction films, its release was an international success and it remains one of the best known films of Méliès.
Hugo is an Academy Award winning film, directed by Martin Scorsese. It is a thrilling journey into a magical world. Set in 1931 and based on Brian Selznick’s novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, the adventure follows 12 year old Hugo on a journey to repair an automaton – a mechanical man who is supposed to be able to write with a pen and may hold a message from Hugo’s departed father. Along the way, Hugo also meets French film director Georges Melies. Featuring stunning cinematography, the critically acclaimed Hugo is most definitely fun for the entire family.
Journey to the Center of the Earth is based on the novel of the same name by Jules Verne. This 1959 film was billed as a DeLuxe Color in CinemaScope adventure film! Starring James Mason as Professor Sir Oliver Lindenbrook, the excitement starts in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1880. After translating a secret message, the Professor and his assistant, along with a few travelers picked up along the way, soon find themselves discovering the mysteries that lie beneath the Earth’s crust.
War of the Worlds is considered to be one of the great science fiction films of the 1950s. The Oscar winning film is set in 1950s California and stars Gene Barry and Ann Robinson. Space art enthusiasts will recognize the work of famed astronomical artist Chesley Bonestell as the film opens to a view of the solar system. The National Film Registry later noted how War of the Worlds, which was released during the Cold War, used “the apocalyptic paranoia of the atomic age.” The film’s special effects, which garnered the film an Oscar, were described as “soul-chilling, hackle-raising, and not for the faint of heart.”
The film fest starts on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 5:30 pm with a small reception featuring popcorn, chocolate, and refreshments, followed by A Trip to the Moon and Hugo. On Friday, Oct. 17, the film fest begins at 3:00 pm with a selected short, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and War of the Worlds. The film fest finale will be Saturday, Oct. 18, with encore presentations of the Friday films and shorts beginning at 10:00 am. The final Saturday film at 1:30will be War of the Worlds.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the museum or at the door. Individual show tickets are $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors or military, and $4.00 for children under 12. Children 2 and under are free. Full film fest passes allow unlimited attendance all three days and prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors or military, and $15 for children under 12. For advance tickets or more information, call 575-437-2840 ext. 41132 or emailmshinfo@state.nm.us.
The Clyde W. Tombaugh Dome Theater is located on the campus of the New Mexico Museum of Space History, top of Hwy 2001, Alamogordo, NM. Showtimes are subject to change without notice. The New Mexico Museum of Space History is a division of the NM Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information, call 575-437-2840 or toll free 1-877-333-6589 or visit the website at www.nmspacemuseum.org. Like us at:www.facebook.com/NMSpaceMuseum
Information from New Mexico Museum of Space History