August 28, 2014—The Galapagos Islands top many nature-lovers' bucket lists. Straddling the Equator in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, this volcanic island chain is a paradise unlike any other—home to some 9,000 species.
On Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., North Texans will witness the splendor of this remote and rugged destination with an experienced guide. Wildlife conservationist and Emmy Award-winning TV host Jeff Corwin will host a special opening night, full-length, 40-minute screening of Galapagos 3D: Nature's Wonderland as part of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science First Thursday Late Night programming when the Museum stays open until 9 p.m. The screening will take place in The Hoglund Foundation Theater, A National Geographic Experience. Corwin, who narrated the film, also will participate in an audience Q&A and sign autographs immediately following the screening.
After the Sept. 4 opening, the 20-minute version of Galapagos 3D: Nature's Wonderland will run daily at select times through May 21, 2015.
"I was thrilled to provide the narration for this amazing project," said Corwin. "It literally took my breath away. Despite traveling the world for 20 years hosting and creating documentaries, I was thoroughly impressed with this incredible film."
For decades, scientists have flocked to this hotspot of biodiversity—defined as an abundance of different species living within a particular region—to study how various plants and animals have adapted to thrive over millions of years in relative isolation. Filmmakers used cutting-edge cameras to fill the screen with a bevy of fascinating creatures. Viewers will be thrilled by massive half-ton tortoises that lumber among flocks of dancing blue-footed boobies and flightless cormorants.
"There are not too many places more powerful than the Galapagos Islands when it comes to understanding our planet," said Corwin. "Galapagos 3D: Nature's Wonderland perfectly captures what makes the creatures living there such unique characters."
Audiences will be captivated by this giant screen story of discovery, of survival against the odds, and of nature's ingenuity, especially after hearing Corwin speak about preserving biodiversity and protecting species on the brink of extinction. Throughout his career, Corwin has been a leading voice for conservation. His informative and entertaining television programs have reached millions of people with vital messages about the challenges facing our planet.
"We think of the Galapagos as a resilient community because it has withstood the test of time for millions of years," said Corwin. "But it is still a delicate environment and, in the 21st century, it faces many significant pressures from the effects of a changing climate, habitat loss, pollution and the unsustainable harvesting of natural resources.
"I hope that this film will inspire a new generation to become good stewards of this delicate planet," said Corwin.
Produced by Anthony Geffen and written by Sir David Attenborough, Galapagos 3D: Nature's Wonderland is directed by Martin Williams and features original music composed by Joel Douek. The film is a Colossus Productions presentation in association with SKY 3D and distributed exclusively by nWave Pictures Distribution. This film is presented locally by Primrose Schools.
ADMISSION. Tickets for the Sept. 4 screening/Q&A with Jeff Corwin are $8 for Museum members and $10 for non-members (NOTE: Regular admission fees apply to enter the Museum halls -- $15 for adults (18-64), $12 for youth (12-17) and seniors (65+), $10 for children (2-11), and free for children under 2. General exhibit hall admission is always free for members.
From Sept. 5 - May 21, tickets to Galapagos 3D: Nature's Wonderland short film (20 minutes) are $5 for all visitors. Purchase tickets online at perotmuseum.org.
The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit perotmuseum.org.