One of the festival highlights is a special presentation by Cosm’s CEO, Jeb Terry, Jr. He will engage in an informal dialogue titled “Shared Reality and The Future of Immersive Experience” alongside Dome Fest West Board Member Ed Lantz. Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, at 1 PM, this conversation offers attendees a unique glimpse into how Cosm is revolutionizing the Fulldome experience, turning the world of immersive entertainment on its head. The discussion is designed to broaden the horizons of content creators, showcasing how advanced technology can unlock new possibilities for artistic expression.
As the “Presenting Sponsor,” Cosm is a leading global technology firm that specializes in crafting immersive experiences. With a focus on three primary markets—Sports and Entertainment, Science and Education, and Parks and Attractions—Cosm is positioned at the forefront of the immersive content landscape. Their extensive capabilities span across design, engineering, manufacturing, and production, paving the way for incredible live experiences that captivate audiences and push creative boundaries.
Another notable sponsor, MSG Sphere, has joined the festival as a “Supporting Sponsor.” With its innovative venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere aims to create unparalleled multi-sensory experiences using state-of-the-art technologies. The venue will feature the highest-resolution LED screen on the planet, a stunning display that will wrap around its audience in a breathtaking immersive journey. Set to open in 2023 adjacent to The Venetian Resort, it’s expected to reshape how audiences consume media and experience live events.
Dome Fest West is also grateful for its additional “Supporting Sponsors,” which include GalaxyAV and Alternity. Other prominent sponsors like IMERSA and Festoon have come onboard to lend their expertise and support, ensuring the festival will be both educational and entertaining.
Special guests confirmed for the festival include acclaimed director Brett Leonard—known for his works like Lawnmower Man and Virtuosity—who will deliver a keynote address on Sunday, Oct. 10, at 9 AM. Dr. Angelica Loera Suarez, the President of Orange Coast College, will be on hand to officially welcome attendees at the opening ceremony on October 8 at 7:30 PM.
As the excitement builds, a live concert performance on Saturday night featuring artists Michael Strauss and J-Walt adds an entertaining flavor to the evening, allowing festival-goers to unwind and connect with each other in a creative atmosphere.
This year’s Dome Fest West will feature an impressive lineup of 32 films considered the very best from 2020-21, including those nominated for the new “Best of Earth” Award. The festival will also collaborate with IMERSA to offer technology presentations, industry panels, interactive workshops, and vibrant social events. The organizers expect around 1,500 immersive filmmakers from across the globe to participate, both in person and virtually, creating a rich tapestry of networking opportunities and skill-sharing.
Ryan Moore, the Executive Director and Founder of Dome Fest West, characterized the event as a pivotal moment for the Fulldome content community. He emphasizes that Fulldome experiences are no longer confined to planetariums or science centers; as more digital dome venues arise, the audience will increasingly engage with cinematic offerings that rival Hollywood—all without the need for cumbersome VR headsets.
The goals of Dome Fest West are ambitious: to attract new audiences to the immersive Fulldome medium, support content creators and technology across the dome space, and facilitate a vibrant community among Hollywood creatives and technology experts. This synergy aims to educate, entertain, and inspire, while also showcasing the most marketable Fulldome content currently available.
Interestingly, Dome Fest West is part of an unprecedented collaboration among four international Fulldome festivals, running concurrently during the weekend of October 8-10, 2021. Collaborating festivals include the Full Dome Festival in Jena, Germany, Full Dome UK in Plymouth, and the Dome Under Festival in Melbourne, Australia. This global partnership aims to respond to the challenges posed by the COVID crisis, which restricted many events last year.
A panel of jurors from the participating festivals will present awards across five categories during the #BestOfEarth Awards, including Best Feature Film and a Juror’s Choice Award, highlighting creativity and innovation in the sphere of Fulldome media. The awards show will be streamed live on October 9 from the Zeiss-Grossplanetarium in Berlin, providing home viewers the chance to engage with the event via a 360-degree live stream.
Dome Fest West’s Film Presentations Will Include:
“Atlas of a Changing Earth” | Directed by Tom Lucas, this film reveals how revolutionary mapping techniques are shedding light on Earth’s evolution in the context of climate change. Combining stunning, state-of-the-art imagery from space, it dives into the dynamic processes rearward coastal glaciers and forecasts the looming threat of rising sea levels on global coastlines. This production follows the success of Lucas’s previous films distributed by Spitz and Evans & Sutherland.
“Beautifica” | Directed by Michael Saul, this immersive musical journey invites viewers into a celebration of life through uplifting visuals and sound. The film is mixed in 7.0 surround sound, providing an ethereal experience that transports its audience to a place beyond conventional reality. The enchanting visuals are complemented by music crafted by James Hood, aiming to evoke a sense of awe and gratitude.
“Living Worlds” | Directed by Ryan Wyatt, this thought-provoking piece examines the symbiotic relationship between life and Earth’s evolution. The narrative journey allows audiences to connect ancient Earth with distant worlds, exploring the fingerprints of life as they glide beneath the icy crust of Enceladus, Saturn’s moon. This captivating show is produced by the California Academy of Sciences and highlights how technologies shape our understanding of the cosmos.
About DOME FEST WEST Founders:
Ryan Moore: As the Executive Director and Founder of Dome Fest West, Ryan Moore also leads Experience 360°, focusing on immersive content since 2015. His background in film includes notable projects for brands like Disney and Toyota, and reality television credits that demonstrate his versatility and commitment to innovative storytelling.
Ed Lantz: Co-Founder Ed Lantz is known for transforming traditional planetariums into immersive environments. His work has spanned over a dozen domes globally, emphasizing the importance of experiential design in connecting audiences with art and science.
Kate McCallum: Co-Founder Kate McCallum boasts an extensive career in media, having contributed significantly to NBCUniversal and Paramount Studios. She is also active in producing fulldome content and steers the c3: Center for Conscious Creativity, which focuses on using arts and media for positive impact.
About IMERSA:
IMERSA plays a vital role in nurturing the interest in fulldome cinema and immersive experiences through various summits and activities. For more information, visit: IMERSA.
About DOME FEST WEST:
Launched in 2021, Dome Fest West stands as a dynamic platform for the immersive Dome filmmaking community, merging established talents with emerging voices in the world of immersive storytelling. The festival showcases “The World’s Best Dome Media” alongside educational panels and interactive events.
Discover more about Dome Fest West on social media and join the conversation as this festival redefines the scope of immersive cinematic art.