The ninth annual Sci-On! Film Festival will be held from May 1 – 4 this year at the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
The festival has received entries from over 50 countries, with a total of 24 short films selected as finalists this year.
“We have some truly excellent submissions this year,” Paul McFarlane, director of the Fleischmann Planetarium, said. “I look forward to celebrating and showcasing these outstanding films. And I can't wait for the audiences to get to meet the directors – from people who work for NASA to individuals who have worked on 'The Terminator,' 'Jurassic Park' – even 'Forrest Gump.'”
Tickets cost $10 for regular admission and a 50% discount is available for University employees and students, for seniors (60+) and for service members. Tickets are sold on the Fleischmann Planetarium’s online store.
While Saturday’s programs at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. are excellent for families with younger children, the Planetarium cautions that the content featured for the afternoon and evening shows during the festival is not created for younger children (under 7). Children under the age of 4 cannot be admitted to afternoon and evening shows.
The schedule of events is listed below:
- May 1: Journey to an asteroid – with NASA!
- Experience a real NASA mission, “To an Asteroid and Back!” through a brand new, feature length documentary, and meet the award-winning director, James Tralie. There will be an intro and Q&A session following the showing.
- May 2: Art of Space Reception and Science Shorts
- Listen to music and view displays of astronomical art, including hand-signed pieces from Apollo astronaut Alan Bean, snack on refreshments and enjoy themed mocktails. A full-dome planetarium show from Australia will showcase the culture and landscapes of Aboriginal astronomy.
- May 3: Best Animated Shorts Premiere
- Watch and vote on the nominees for Best Animated Sci-Fi Short (including one by an Emmy nominee) and see a full-dome film produced for the worldwide celebration of the 100th anniversary of planetariums.
- May 4: Best Live-Action Shorts and “May the Fourth” Fan Film
- Celebrate “May the Fourth” by getting your picture with stormtroopers, robots or rebel knights, see this year’s best sci-fi shorts from around the world, and vote to determine the winner of the 2024 Roddenberry Audience Choice Award. Plus, enjoy a brand-new fan film from a galaxy far, far away....
