The Fort Myers Film Festival, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, is teaming up with Calusa
Nature Center & Planetarium to bring immersive full-dome films to Southwest Florida for the first time. The festival, running May 14-18, 2025, will feature these high-tech, 360-degree cinematic experiences at the Calusa Planetarium, offering an exciting opportunity to enjoy some of the most cutting-edge films available.
Executive Director Eric Raddatz, who also oversees the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, is leading this groundbreaking collaboration. “The Calusa Planetarium is the only planetarium within a 90-mile radius with the capability to show dome films,” says Raddatz. “This partnership is a unique chance to showcase these awe-inspiring films and give audiences an immersive, 360-degree experience. It's a great addition to the Fort Myers Film Festival, and we’re thrilled to be pioneers of this in the area.”
Dome films are known for their cutting-edge technology, offering an immersive experience that surrounds viewers with stunning visuals and sound in every direction. Films like “Butterfly Journey,” “Coral Sea: A Turtle Tale,” and “Sounds of the Ocean” are just a few examples of what audiences can expect. This exciting development at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium marks the start of an ongoing exploration into dome films for future festivals.
The full-dome shows will be held May 15 and 16, 2025, at the Calusa Planetarium as part of the festival's extended lineup of films, panels, and screenings at multiple venues across the region. Raddatz encourages filmmakers to submit their own dome films for consideration, with plans to include them in future festival programming.
In addition to these incredible full-dome presentations, the Fort Myers Film Festival will screen a wide range of traditional 2D films, documentaries, and shorts at venues such as the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and BIG ARTS on Sanibel.
Tickets for all festival events, including the full-dome shows at the Calusa Planetarium, are available through the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium website at calusanaturecenter.org. For the full schedule and to learn more about the festival’s programming, visit fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
About the Fort Myers Film Festival
The Fort Myers Film Festival is a premier event celebrating independent cinema, providing filmmakers a platform to showcase their work. Known for its cutting-edge programming, the festival attracts audiences from around the world and has become a cultural staple in Southwest Florida.
Media Contact:
Eric Raddatz
Executive Director
Phone: (239) 275-3435
About Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:
Founded in 1969, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has served as Southwest Florida's premier environmental education destination for over 50 years. CNCP is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for those interested in making a significant impact together with us. The 105-acre sanctuary houses butterfly gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and the only public planetarium in the region. CNCP provides educational experiences that promote environmental awareness, scientific discovery, and a lifelong love of nature, inspiring future generations of environmental stewards and advocates.
• A Special Thank You: We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ace Hardware, the place with the helpful hardware folks, as well as continuing supporters, including Vulcan Materials, R4 Roofing, Aux Delicies, Famous Dave’s, The City of Fort Myers, HERC, SWFL PRODUCE, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, The Fred and Jean Allegretti Foundation, Heitman House, Babcock Ranch and the Fort Myers Film Festival.
• Stay Connected Cozy at home?
Experience the Calusa Nature Center virtually. Visit our YouTube channel for fun videos! ! Enjoy our FREE T360 tour from your couch: #HomeBoundAdventures #NatureAtHome. Immerse yourself in our fresh interactive education videos here. Make your event unforgettable with one of Florida's unique venues! From weddings and showers to meetings and parties, we offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. Reach out now to reserve your date!
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