The Reason:

DomeFest is dedicated to advancing the understanding, use and purpose of ‘fulldome’ storytelling and techniques. “Fulldome” is a powerful new medium that provides large-format immersive experiences via digital technologies presented on a hemispheric screen normally associated with planetariums. No longer “limited” to the cosmos, fulldome is “exploding the frame” (thanks, Ben) of what a planetarium dome theater can be.

DomeFest is an international exposition of the best and most innovative works done for “fulldome” theaters. Our goal is to advance understanding and support experimentation in a new medium that has roots in the astronomy education. We’re looking for the best in astronomy productions, but also works that depart from that subject and tradition. We’re looking for art, entertainment, humor, experimental works/processes, depictions of nature and fantasy, efforts in creating virtual environments—whatever you’ve been making that’s outside the pale of whatever you consider normal, traditional or status quo.

DomeFest will debut at LodeStar on June 12, 2004. After the premier, the ‘festival on a hard drive’ will travel to an international group of fulldome theaters who wish to demonstrate the medium and the experiences it can provide, while also putting their theaters into service for artists, visionaries and audiences who wish to join the ‘fulldome revolution'.

Why @ L*?

LodeStar, a University of New Mexico project, has explored “fulldome” from a variety of perspectives and purposes, from astronomy education, to art education, to community-building, to exploration of new artistic and entertainment productions that reflect the time and age we all exist in.

LodeStar sees the dome as a democratizing venue—where individuals, students, university students/faculty/departments as well as local/national creators coming through formal residencies or personal visions and commitment—can explore their visions, desires and service to the community and the arts unfettered by the challenges of the costs of film (especially large-format (70mm) film) or the business-driven traditions of more established mediums.

What’s the buzz on these domes and DomeFest?

“Fulldome” follows and extends some sort of correlary to Moore’s Law on computer-based advancements. In terms of diffusion, “fulldome” theaters have grown from nothing to more than 60 internationally in fewer than four years. IMAX™ and its equivalent large format theaters took more than a decade to reach this point. “Fulldome” theaters are now being built at a rate faster than LFTs due to the flexibility and economy of the medium. Case in point, a low-budget IMAX™ like production starts at $3.6M for a 40-minute final product, LodeStar has produced quality and innovative experiences totaling more than 200 minutes without material cost (‘just’ the time, talent and vision of digital artists enamored and enthralled by what the medium can make, do and offer.)

Toward this, DomeFest is designed to find, support and present the world’s most innovative and exemplary works created for a medium without limit and unlimited by tradition. A prestigious jury will review submissions to filter those works that demonstrate the current state of and future possibilities for “fulldome.”

DomeFest will debut at LodeStar on June 12, 2004. After the premier, the ‘festival on a hard drive’ will travel to an international group of fulldome theaters who wish to demonstrate the medium and the experiences it can provide, while also putting their theaters into service for artists, visionaries and audiences who wish to join the ‘fulldome revolution.’

Secret Toy Surprise:
It’s too early to announce yet, but DomeFest will make even more history with a demonstration of a new use for domes. You’ll have to wait a bit to learn about this secret toy surprise. Check back for announcements.

The Details:
Premiers June 12, 2004
LodeStar in ABQ, NM, USA

(There’ll also be a private Director’s Dome Warming Reception on June 11th for all applicants (entire production crews), jurors, sponsors and supporters.)

Program:
An exposition of the best and most innovative dome work done around the world. A jury will select from an open and international submission process. The show will screen the works with short introduction credits for each piece. Full credits will run at end of show.

Deadlines:
Preliminary application must be received by April 19, 2004.

Final entries must be received by May 22, 2004

Submissions:
Productions must be three and a half minutes or shorter and include an introductory credit of no longer than 10 seconds. Credits may run up to 30 seconds and will run at end of show, after all entries are screened.

Productions must have all copyright and use agreements in place and transferable non-exclusive rights to LodeStar/DomeFest for screening at LodeStar and other theaters for up to one year.