James Hood's Astronomica

Embark on a breathtaking 360-degree visual journey that elevates your spirit through the wonders of space and beyond, accompanied by an orchestral score that ignites the imagination and deepens your appreciation for our universe.

Produced by

Bennett Freed, James Hood, Kate McCallum, Ed Lantz

Directed by

Michael J Saul

Project Description

ASTRONOMICA is a 360 visual music journey created for fulldome planetarium and giant screen cinema venues. The film is designed create positive emotions and to to take the audience on a flight up into the majesty of space and then beyond the known universe into imaginal realms. A orchestral musical score by James Hood together with awe-inpsiring images from an international team of artists stimulate the audiences to feel the wonder and awe of our galaxy and beyond enhancing the power of their own imaginations and also appreciation for our place in the universe on planet Earth.

About the Director

Michael J. Saul is a filmmaker known for his bold, visually captivating work that explores themes of identity, love, and transformation. A director, writer, and producer, Saul is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling by creating films that challenge perceptions of reality and the human experience. His work spans across multiple genres, blending experimental and narrative filmmaking techniques to create emotionally vibrant stories.

Saul first garnered attention for his direction of the multi-award winning fulldome film MESMERICA (2018), a collaboration with musician James Hood. The film is an immersive experience that combines mesmerizing visuals with a powerful musical score, taking audiences on a journey of introspection and altered states of consciousness.

Following MESMERICA, Saul directed Best of Earth nominee BEAUTIFICA (2020), another collaboration with Hood. BEAUTIFICA explores themes of beauty and spirituality that culminate in a celebration of life.

In addition to his experimental work, Saul wrote and directed the award-winning feature film THE SURFACE (2015). Premiering at Frameline Film Festival, THE SURFACE is a contemplative drama about a young man grappling with loss and the search for family.

As a queer filmmaker, Michael J. Saul’s work is a testament to the power of cinema to explore identity, challenge norms, and inspire change. Saul is also committed to supporting the LGBTQ community and suicide prevention.

Michael lives with his partner in Long Beach California.

(MESMERICA and BEAUTIFICA continue to screen in domes, planetariums, and giant screen cinemas throughout the U.S, Canada, and Europe . THE SURFACE is available on several popular streaming platforms.)

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