Cinema at its best at experimenta: On April 27, the animated film “Der kleine Major Tom – Aufbruch ins Ungewisse“ [Young Major Tom – A Departure into the Unknown] celebrated its world premiere in the Science Dome. Both screenings were accompanied by a live appearance of Peter Schilling, singer and developer of the figure, as well as an expert talk with Peter Popp, producer and director of the film.
The Science Center experimenta celebrated the world premiere of the animated film “Der kleine Major Tom – Aufbruch ins Ungewisse“ [Young Major Tom – A Departure into the Unknown] on April 27 with two screenings. In a guest appearance, Peter Schilling whose international hit “Major Tom (Coming Home)” is featured in the film took to the stage with his band. Schilling also provided the idea for the series of children’s books of the same name. One adventure has now been filmed and is screening in the dome. “I actually never dreamed that my idea of 2016 to create a young astronaut for children would become something so huge in such a short time. I am proud of the teams that worked on the project and am quite simply overwhelmed,” said Schilling after his appearance.
The film project is a cooperation of the musician with producer and director Peter Popp. The result is a unique 25-minute outer space adventure that was developed specifically for fulldome projection and targets children six years and older, school classes, and families. The film tells the exciting story of the sensitive astronaut, Tom, and his impulsive friend, Stella, who must go beyond themselves to save Earth from a great danger.
Focus on facts about space and climate change
In the film, viewers learn a lot of interesting facts about space and space travel, but also the consequences of climate change for life on Earth. Impressive images taken of the Blue Planet from outer space reveal its beauty and fragility. As a gigantic hurricane speeds toward Earth, the two young astronauts have to face their own personal challenges: Tom overcomes his fear and finds the courage to go on a spacewalk. Stella meanwhile recognizes how important mindfulness and teamwork are for a successful space mission. The audience can sympathize with Tom and Stella as they experience their dreams and disappointments, and the young main characters learn what it means to accept responsibility.
Overwhelming audience response
The evening of the world premiere was a resounding success: in addition to guests of honor and the press, families with children were invited to attend who obviously enjoyed the film, concert and expert talk. Especially in demand were autographs of Peter Schilling and pictures with the “Walking Act”, a large plush figure of Major Tom. “Being able to experience a movie premiere at experimenta is a true highlight. It was wonderful to see how enthusiastic the audience was. It was very important to us to find new formats for children that present topics such as space travel and sustainability in an age-appropriate and fun way,” says Prof. Dr. Bärbel Renner, Managing Director of experimenta, in summing up her impressions of the premiere.