To celebrate the infrequent celestial event “Transit of Venus”, the Australian High Commission has joined hands with the Nehru Planetarium in screening a special science film made by Lynette Wallworth at Teen Murti here from June 6 to 18.
Coral-Rekindling Venus seeks to build a richer understanding between humanity and the natural environment. The 3D film focusing on the ocean, the rich marine life, the coral reefs and the environment has been made to create interest among the young and the old alike about the complex community living in the oceans most threatened by the climate change.
Lynette uses interactive technologies like touch-based interfaces, photography and film in an imaginative and intelligent way to create interest about her work which reflects on the connections between the people and the natural world.
Explaining the need to make a 3D film on the complex subject, the Australian film-maker says: “Imagine global cooperation for a global problem. My intent is to leave the audience with a sense of wonder for the complexity of the coral community and a deep-felt longing to see it survive. What is apparent when you watch the film is the remarkable survival mechanism already at play in the community of the coral reefs, mechanisms that will be put to the test in the coming years.” Transit of Venus connecting the Sun, Earth and Venus in a unique way is a combination of astronomy, navigation, history and cultures across the planet. With the rare astronomical event on June 6 being the last one this century, the Nehru Planetarium will also conduct a series of engaging workshops around the theme. According to Nehru Planetarium Director N. Rathnasree, who will conduct the astronomy workshops, the agreement between the Australian High Commission and the Planetarium is only for screening and related activities. “While the Planetarium will conduct astronomy workshops, people related to the world of art will conduct art workshops and story telling sessions.”
On the correlation between the film and celestial event, the Planetarium Director says Coral-Rekindling Venus is about the danger posed to the marine life because of global warming. “And when the participants will study Venus they will be in a better position to understand the entire concept of global warming.”
The film will be premiered at the Planetarium on June 5 but entry will be only through invitation. However, on other days it is open for public viewing as part of the Planetarium shows.
