FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Los Angeles, CA (March 29, 2023) – Mystery of the Maya, a documentary film for IMAXâ and Giant Screen theaters, will open at the California Science Center on April 2, 2023, accompanied by “Maya: The Exhibition.” Originally shot on 15/70mm IMAX film, Mystery of the Maya is now scanned in 8K and restored frame by frame for California Science Center’s IMAX laser projector.
The film will accompany “Maya: The Exhibition,” featuring over 250 stunning and authentic artifacts — many on tour outside of Guatemala for the first time — highlighting the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico and Central America. Discover how the ancient Maya used science and engineering to build and sustain cities in the middle of the rainforest, and what led them to abandon their urban homes and transform their society.
Capturing the vastness and grandeur of Maya civilization as only the giant-screen medium can, Mystery of the Maya will take audiences on a breath-taking trip through a millennium of Maya history. Viewers will be guided by an archaeologist and young Maya descendant as they unlock the secrets of the past.
Producer/co-director Barrie Howells, co-director Roberto Rochin and their filmmaking team travelled to over 15 locations across Mexico and Guatemala to create Mystery of the Maya. Audiences will visit many sacred sites across the Maya region, from the ancient walled city of Tulum, perched on sea cliffs high atop the Atlantic ocean; inland to Uxmal, and the exquisitely-carved Temple of the Magician; to Palenque, site of the magnificent Temple of the Inscriptions and one of the most startling finds in Maya archaeological history.
The centerpiece of Mystery of the Maya, and one of the most thrilling finds in modern history, is Mexican archaeologist Alberto Ruz’s astounding 1952 discovery of a secret burial tomb deep inside Palenque’s Temple of the Inscriptions. Ruz is played by his son, Alberto Jr., in dramatic recreations filmed in the Palenque temple. While early explorers had to risk journeys through dangerous rivers and unfamiliar jungle, in Mystery of the Maya audiences will soar from site to site via sweeping aerial photography.
Both the film and the exhibition will celebrate the splendor of the Maya culture and the enduring legacy of the Maya people, who are among us today. To purchase exhibition and/or IMAX tickets, call 213-744-2019 or visit https://californiasciencecenter.org/imax/mystery-of-the-maya. Please check the California Science Center website for the latest COVID protocols.
Mystery of the Maya is a co-production of the National Film board of Canada, the Canadian museum of Civilization and the Mexican Film Institute. It is distributed by K2 Studios and Big Films in Giant Screen and IMAX theaters at science centers, museums, and specialty theaters.
IMAX is a registered trademark of IMAX Corporation.
About the California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults, and students can explore the wonders of science through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring movies. The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. The Science Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with free general admission (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Parking at Exposition Park is $15.
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Contact:
Maria Sosyan
(213) 744-2144
