Most of us would rather be outside than sitting in front of a huge screen during Seattle's precious warm weather months. One exception is heading to Pacific Science Center to watch the short film Watermelon Magic, debuting at the recently updated PACCAR IMAX® Theater on May 29.
The sunshine and cheer of summer practically jump off the screen in this sweet 30 minute story. Young Sylvie decides to plant her own watermelon garden on her family’s Pennsylvania farm so she can sell melons at the farmers market in the fall. With the help of her mother — and a touch of magic — she starts seeds in a greenhouse, sows them in the ground, installs a fence around her patch to ward off her annoying brother and welcomes rain and pollinating bees. She patiently nurtures the seedlings and waits as they sprout and grow.
Constructed entirely from more than 200,000 high resolution still photos, the film employs a dynamic style of varying shutter-burst frame rates with stunning time-lapse sequences. It’s a beautiful way for audiences to witness the plant life cycle. You and your kids will walk away wanting to get your hands dirty and grow your own watermelon patch.
This is the first film for the giant screens made entirely with digital stills, and the first film about farms, food production and healthy eating for IMAX theaters. Watermelon Magic is also the first family oriented film for director Richard Hoffman. Inspired by his experience as a CSA member, Hoffman wanted to make a film for kids that got them thinking about where food comes from and how it grows.
Watch the trailer here; For showtimes and tickets, go to pacificsciencenter.org.
