Fort Myers Film Festival Teams Up with Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium to Showcase Indie Dome Films

Oct 15, 20243 min read

Fort Myers, FL – The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is excited to announce its collaboration with the Fort Myers Film Festival to present the first-ever indie dome film series in the region. This groundbreaking initiative will bring immersive storytelling to life through 360-degree cinematography, enhancing the cinematic experience for audiences.

Dome films utilize cutting-edge technology popularized by VR and AR productions, offering a unique viewing experience. By screening films in specially built dome theaters—akin to traditional planetariums—viewers will find themselves surrounded by stunning visuals and immersive soundscapes. “The Calusa Planetarium, the only planetarium within a 90-mile radius, has the potential to showcase dome films,” said Eric Raddatz, Executive Director of both the Fort Myers Film Festival and the Calusa Nature Center. “We’re thrilled to announce that we will begin accepting submissions for independent dome films for our 2025 festival.” Read an in depth interview about it on WGCU here.

Now at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, visitors can experience Mesmerica, an extraordinary 360-degree projection show that combines mesmerizing visuals with music by Grammy-nominated composer James Hood. This immersive presentation takes audiences on a captivating journey through stunning landscapes and vibrant imagery, enhancing the overall experience of the newly renovated planetarium.

In addition to Mesmerica, the planetarium offers daily shows from Tuesday to Sunday, featuring a variety of educational and entertaining programs suitable for all ages. General admission allows guests to explore the wonders of the universe, making each visit an adventure filled with discovery.

The Fort Myers Film Festival will take place across multiple venues in Lee County from May 14 to 18, 2025, and will continue to showcase traditional 2D films alongside the new dome offerings. This initiative is taking the lead in innovative films across the world, reflecting a growing trend in film festivals nationwide.

Call for Submissions: Dome Films for the Fort Myers Film Festival

The Fort Myers Film Festival, in collaboration with the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, is excited to announce a call for submissions for the first-ever dome films to be featured at our festival in 2025. This initiative marks a significant expansion of our programming, allowing us to showcase immersive storytelling in a unique format.

What Are Dome Films?

Dome films utilize cutting-edge 360-degree cinematography, creating an immersive experience that surrounds viewers with stunning visuals and sound. Screened in specially designed dome theaters—similar to traditional planetariums—these films transport audiences into the heart of the narrative, offering a one-of-a-kind cinematic adventure.

Submission Guidelines:

Eligibility: Independent filmmakers from around the globe are encouraged to submit their dome films, whether graphic-heavy documentaries or innovative narratives.
Format: Films must be produced in equirectangular format, typically with a 2:1 aspect ratio, and a resolution of 4K (4096 x 2048) or higher.
Sound: Ensure audio is mixed for spatial sound or surround sound systems, if applicable..
How to Submit: Interested filmmakers can submit their entries here, including a synopsis, director’s statement, and any relevant promotional materials.

Contact Information:

For more information on the dome film series and submission guidelines, please visit the Fort Myers Film Festival website at www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com.

At the Planetarium:

Be mesmerized by our featured presentation, Mesmerica 360 – an extraordinary 360-degree projection experience offering virtual reality-like visuals combined with soothing and stimulating effects. 🎥✨ This immersive show features music by Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood and 3D animated art from international artists. Mesmerica 360 tickets are available. Tickets can be purchased at calusanature.org and Mesmerica Tickets.