Dark Biosphere wins Special Jury Selection Film Award
The European Astrobiology Institute is delighted to announce that the planetarium show “Dark Biosphere” has won multiple prestigious awards, further solidifying its impact on the global stage of fulldome filmmaking.
Firstly, "Dark Biosphere" was awarded the Best Film Award at the highly regarded Full Dome Festival in Brno. This distinguished accolade underscores the significant contributions of the EAI outreach working group and, in particular, the exceptional efforts of Dr. Jose A. Caballero, a senior staff researcher at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas at the Centro de Astrobiología.
Produced by Render Area, “Dark Biosphere” challenges our understanding of the origin and evolution of life on Earth and extends this inquiry to the vast realms of the Universe. The film’s innovative approach and compelling narrative have captivated audiences and critics alike, earning it the festival's top honour.
The Full Dome Festival jury praised “Dark Biosphere” for its thought-provoking theme, engaging storytelling, and distinctive opening scene that humanises the scientific journey. They highlighted the film's ability to enrich our understanding of the essential conditions for life on Earth and the possibilities of discovering life elsewhere in the cosmos.
“The film is a masterful work of art, combining original visual and graphic effects with groundbreaking camera work and direction,” the jury noted. “Its exceptional colour correction work optimises the dome environment's immersive experience, while the powerful music and sound effects amplify the emotional impact of the show.”
Additionally, "Dark Biosphere" has now won the Special Jury Selection Film Award at the Best of Earth Awards Show. This award is given at the discretion of the jury to a fulldome film that stands out for its exceptional qualities, regardless of its category. It honours a film that leaves a significant impact on the jury with its storytelling, technical achievements, or overall execution.
The Best of Earth Awards Show is a coalition of fulldome film festivals that aims to celebrate the innovation and magnificence that fulldome provides. The coalition includes some of the most prestigious and respected fulldome film festivals from around the world, including:
- FullDome Festival in Jena, Germany
- Dome Fest West in Los Angeles, USA
- FulldomeUK Festival in Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Dome Under Festival in Melbourne, Australia
- SAT Fest in Montréal, Canada
- Fulldome Festival Brno in Brno, Czechia, where the film already won an award last year.
The film was produced with the participation of the EAI project group "Astrobiology and Arts". Congratulations to José Caballero and his team for this remarkable achievement!
Furthermore, the cinema version of the film will be shown at the opening ceremony of BEACON 2025 in Iceland.
A trailer of the film can be seen here.
This award-winning film is not just a visual spectacle; it is a celebration of our quest to understand life in the Universe. The recognition received at such prestigious platforms highlights the EAI's commitment to advancing public understanding of astrobiology and our place in the Universe.
The Full Dome Festival, held annually in Brno, Czech Republic, is a premier event celebrating excellence in dome-based films. The continued recognition of "Dark Biosphere" through multiple awards emphasises the EAI’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of astrobiology research and education.
If you are interested in licensing this Planetarium show, please visit Full Dome Database.