SAN DIEGO—October 17, 2023—Embark on a breathtaking journey when “Deep Sky” opens in IMAX on Thursday, October 26 at The Fleet Science Center’s newly renovated Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. 

The highly anticipated documentary brings the awe-inspiring images captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to IMAX®—taking audiences on a journey to the beginning of time and space, to never-before-seen cosmic landscapes, and to recently discovered exoplanets, planets around other stars.  

Directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn and narrated by Oscar®-nominated actress Michelle Williams, “Deep Sky” follows the high-stakes global mission to build JWST and to launch it into orbit 1 million miles from Earth, in an attempt to answer questions that have haunted us since the beginning of time: Where did we come from? How did the universe begin? Are we alone? 

“Deep Sky,” 13 billion years in the making, reveals the universe as we never have seen it before, immersing audiences in the stunning pictures beamed back to earth by NASA’s new telescope—and capturing their vast beauty at a scale that can be experienced only on the giant IMAX screen.

“If there ever was a subject tailor-made for IMAX screens, this is it,” said Kahn. “The IMAX format allows you to appreciate the astonishing resolution of NASA’s new telescope and to immerse yourself in cosmic landscapes that leave you filled with awe.” 

“Deep Sky” goes behind the scenes of JWST, capturing its launch and the release of the mind-blowing first full-color images seen by billions around the world. The film is a thrilling story that begins during the telescope’s construction, following it to the harrowing launch stage, and through the release of the first full-color images to the public on July 12, 2022, and beyond.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty and magnitude of space,” said Michelle Williams. “I’m excited to work with Nathaniel and IMAX to tell the story of the captivating images taken by this new telescope.”

“Deep Sky” is written, produced and directed by Nathaniel Kahn, produced by Bonnie Hlinomaz and executive produced by John Turner, Matt Mountain, Sandra Evers-Manly, and Gerry Ohrstrom. The film was financed in part by a grant from the Northrop Grumman Foundation and is co-financed by IMAX. IMAX and the filmmakers are grateful to NASA, ESA, CSA, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and AURA for their assistance in making this film.

“Deep Sky” has a run time of 40 minutes. 

For media

Director Nathaniel Kahn will be available for in-person interviews on Thursday, October 26 at the Fleet or in-studio.

Media are invited to view "Deep Sky" at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 26.

To schedule an interview and secure your seat for a film viewing, please contact Fleet Science Center Communications Specialist Suzanne Sanders at (619) 238-1233 ext. 804 or ssanders@rhfleet.org. If you would like to view the film at a later date, please contact Suzanne.

Información y entrevistas en español también están disponibles para los medios necesarios. 

Additional resources

Press photos
Trailer

About IMAX Corporation 

IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of June 30, 2023, there were 1,718 IMAX systems (1,638 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 68 institutional) operating in 87 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970."

IMAX®, IMAX® Dome, IMAX® 3D, IMAX® 3D Dome, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, An IMAX Experience®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, IMAX DMR®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX™, IMAX LIVE™, IMAX Enhanced™, IMAX nXos®, SSIMWAVE®, and Films to the Fullest®, are trademarks and trade names of the Company or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. For more information, visit www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About the Fleet Science Center

Since 1973, the Fleet Science Center has been a central link between science, schools and scientific organizations, collaborating with the communities that call San Diego County home. Its mission is simple yet bold: to realize a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science. The organization delivers on this mission through engaging experiences and culturally driven education programs in neighborhoods throughout the county and the historic Balboa Park flagship location. The Fleet creates places of inspiration by collaborating with communities to support and grow STEM talent in San Diego. From interactive exhibits and school field trips to free science programs, the Fleet is forward-thinking and consistently evolving to create positive change in the world. The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater is the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater, presenting the most significant films on the planet. To learn more, visit fleetscience.org. 

About Balboa Park

Located near downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban-cultural park in the United States. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. For more information, visit balboapark.org.