San Diego—Jerusalem is a sacred city to half the people on Earth. Over the last 5,000 years it has been conquered, destroyed, rebuilt, reinvented and fought over more than any other place in history. Now, for the first-time ever, a new Giant Screen Film immerses audiences in a spectacular cinematic journey--soaring high above the Holy Land and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City--to experience the cherished and iconic site as never before. On Friday, November 20, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center will premiere Jerusalem, in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. The captivating new film explores the intersection of science, history and religion on a grand scale 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 and storied city, with exclusive access to iconic holy sites and little-known aspects 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 to film in the region's strict no-fly zone, enabling them to capture the first-ever large-format aerial images of the Old City and the Holy Land.   Through the stories of Jewish, Christian and Muslim families who call Jerusalem home, audiences will discover why this tiny piece of land is sacred to three major religions. 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.   Jerusalem is an original production from Cosmic Picture and Arcane Pictures and distributed by National Geographic Studios. The 43-minute, large- format film was written and directed by Daniel Ferguson. The executive producer was the late Jake Eberts, legendary producer of movies such as Gandhi, Chariots of Fire and Dances with Wolves. The film was produced by Taran Davies, George Duffield and Daniel Ferguson; and large format industry veteran, Reed Smoot, of the American Society of Cinematographers, served as director of photography.   "Through the incredible technology of the Giant Screen format, you feel as if you are experiencing the unrivaled beauty and visceral nature of Jerusalem up-close and first-hand," said writer/director Daniel Ferguson.   Jerusalem is family friendly and has a run time of 45 minutes.   Additional Links:   For more information on Jerusalem, including links to the trailer and behind-the-scenes videos, visit www.jerusalemthemovie.com.    The trailer is also available to view on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3P_RDXDWow   For a current film schedule, please visit: http://www.rhfleet.org/shows/jerusalem   Press Photos: http://www.rhfleet.org/press-room/images       To schedule a special screening or interview with one of the experts related to the film, please contact Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Public Relations Manager Nathan Young at 619-685-5743 or nyoung@rhfleet.org. A list of available experts related to the film is below.   # # #   FOR MEDIA ONLY: You're invited to the Premiere!   Members of the media are invited to join us for our premiere party for Jerusalem on Wednesday, November 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We will have a reception from 6 to 7 p.m., with the premiere screening of the film beginning at 7 p.m. and a Q&A with filmmaker Daniel Ferguson immediately thereafter. Refreshments will be served during the reception.   If you and a guest would like to attend the premiere party for Jerusalem, please RSVP to Nathan Young, Reuben H. Fleet Public Relations and Promotions Manager, at 619-685-5743 or nyoung@rhfleet.org. Space is limited. RSVP by November 16, 2015.   # # #   Media Interviews   The Fleet is pleased to have a number of representatives available for interview in conjunction with the film Jerusalem. Representatives include the film's writer/director, Daniel Ferguson, and producer, Taran Davies, as well as local archeologist and science comedian, Robert Timothy.   A major theme in Jerusalem is the archeology of the city. It's not widely known, but the San Diego area is home to some of the oldest archeological sites in North America. Archeologists recognize three different prehistoric periods of occupation and the archeological record dates back over 12,000 years. The most recent sites are from the Late Prehistoric period and date back 1500 years or less. Archeological findings show evidence of a population increase, active trading networks and a mixing of cultures. The major groups consist of the Luiseño people, generally living from what is now north San Diego County all the way up to the southern part of present day Los Angeles, and the Kumeyaay, descended from people who migrated west from the Colorado River and primarily lived from present day Encinitas south to Ensenada.   The Fleet has relationships throughout the San Diego scientific community and would be happy coordinate interviews with local experts who can talk about the scientific and cultural aspects ofJerusalem from a global and local perspective.    Daniel Ferguson Director, Writer, Producer Daniel Ferguson has worked on numerous films for IMAX® and giant screen theaters. Most recently, he was Line Producer and Script Editor on Journey to Mecca, Cowriter and Associate Director on Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France and Line Producer on Lost Worlds: Life in the Balance. Daniel graduated from McGill University with degrees in History and Comparative Religions. Between 2009 and 2013, he made 14 trips to Jerusalem and spent 6 months living there with his family. He is an active board member of the Giant Screen Cinema Association and the Alter-ciné Foundation, which provides grants to filmmakers in the developing world.   Taran Davies Producer Taran Davies, co-founder of Cosmic Picture, conceived, developed and produced the award-winning IMAX film Journey to Mecca, which premiered on the world's largest outdoor screen specially constructed for the event in Abu Dhabi, and became the second film to be publicly shown in Saudi Arabia since theaters were closed in the 1980s. Taran conceived of Jerusalem in 2009. He has produced, directed and written several critically acclaimed documentary films. His feature documentary, Afghan Stories, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was described by the New York Times as "invaluable," and by the Anthology of Cult Movies as one of the best documentaries ever made. www.cosmicpicture.com

 

Robert Timothy Archeologist/Stand-up Comedian Robert Timothy is a cultural resource management (CRM) archaeologist and stand-up comedian working and performing throughout San Diego County. On the archaeological side, Bobby did his undergrad work at Berkeley, graduate work at SUNY Buffalo and has worked as a CRM archaeologist in San Diego since 2007. He specializes in aerial archaeology and aerial photography of archaeological sites using fixed cranes, remote control drones and personally piloted ultralight aircraft.   On the comedy side, Bobby is a science-comedian who attempts to bring elements of science and science education into his stand-up comedy. Having performed in venues including comedy clubs, museums, military bases, college campuses, corporate events and Las Vegas casinos, he uses comedy as a venue for promoting science education both through traditional stand-up comedy and his science-comedy podcast, Science Faction. Each week, tens of thousands of listeners in more than 30 countries around the world tune in to hear a "blue comedy" perspective on the week's recently published science articles.   Check out www.RobertTimothyComedy.com to see his schedule of performances or catch up on this week's recent science articles at www.TheScienceFaction.com.     # # #   To Schedule a Group or Private Screening:   Jerusalem is available for public screenings, school and group reservations or private screenings at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Reservations can be made today by contacting the Fleet Science Center directly. For school or group reservations please contact the Client Services Department at (619) 238-1233 ext. 806 or Clientservices@rhfleet.org. If you would like to arrange a private screening of the film, please contact the Special Events Department at (619) 685-5729 or SpecialEvents@rhfleet.org. Tickets for public screenings are on sale now at the Fleet ticket counter and at www.rhfleet.org.   # # #   About National Geographic Studios   National Geographic Studios is the video and film production division of the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, whose mission is to inspire, illuminate and teach. From television series and specials to giant screen, from mobile video to digital news and educational content, National Geographic Studios' productions embody the Society's long-standing reputation for stunning visuals and captivating storytelling.    National Geographic Studios has received nearly 150 Emmy Awards and almost 1,000 other industry accolades, including recognition from the Peabody Awards, DuPont Columbia Awards, multiple film and museum industry awards and the highest honors from natural history film festivals. National Geographic Studios also produces and distributes giant screen and digital 3D films for the museum cinema industry. Brooke Runnette is president of National Geographic Studios