Amazon Adventure Brings an Epic and Inspirational True Story Set in the Heart of the Amazon Rainfore

New 3D Film Opens on the Giant Screen at Fernbank Museum on May 20

ATLANTA, May 4, 2017 – Amazon Adventure, a spectacular new Giant Screen film from award-winning SK Films brings audiences on a visually stunning odyssey through the wilds of the Amazon rainforest in an incredible story of scientific discovery. The film opens at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Giant Screen Theater on May 20, 2017.

Amazon Adventure traces the extraordinary journey of naturalist and explorer Henry Walter Bates – the most influential scientist you’ve never heard of – who provided “the beautiful proof” to Charles Darwin for his then-controversial theory of natural selection, the scientific explanation for the development of life on Earth. As a young man, Bates risked his life for science during his 11-year expedition into the Amazon rainforest. Amazon Adventure is a compelling detective story of peril, perseverance and, ultimately, success, drawing audiences into the fascinating world of animal mimicry – the astonishing phenomenon where one animal adopts the look of another, gaining an advantage to survive.

A film for all ages, Amazon Adventure has received the seal of approval from Common Sense Media, which recognizes quality family-friendly content. Films receiving this recognition have the potential to significantly impact families in the form of worthwhile themes, positive messages and role models.

"The Giant Screen is the ideal format to take audiences to places they might not normally go and to see amazing creatures they might not normally see,” said Executive Producer Jonathan Barker, CEO of SK Films. “From a humble background, with an unstoppable passion for science and life, Bates played guitar, had a pet monkey, relied on Amazonian natives to survive, learned many native languages and made crucial contributions to our understanding of the natural world. He should be more widely known and we’re thrilled to introduce his remarkable story to the public.”

“Walking in the footsteps of Henry Walter Bates, audiences get to follow clues and see one of the most important discoveries about life unfold before them scene by scene,” said Executive Producer Sean B. Carroll of HHMI Tangled Bank Studios. “Through Bates’ eyes, we see some of the first and best evidence of how and why species evolve. We hope this film – in tracing his adventures in the Amazon – shows where curiosity and perseverance can lead and inspires younger and older viewers alike.”

Filmed on location in the lush Amazon region, Amazon Adventure uses the immersive Giant Screen format to plunge audiences into a wild world of breathtaking beauty and captivating animal behavior. Things are not always as they seem in the jungle, and audiences will be mesmerized by an array of nature’s masters of mimicry. From the makers of the immensely popular and multiple award-winning film Flight of the Butterflies 3D, the film is directed by Mike Slee and is executive produced by Jonathan Barker and Sean B. Carroll. The film stars Calum Finlay as Henry Bates, was written by Wendy MacKeigan and Carl Knutson, and was shot by cinematographers Gerry Vasbenter and Richard Kirby with an original score by Brazilian composer Antonio Pinto. Although filming in the Amazon was very challenging, the team constantly reminded themselves of what it must have been like for Bates, without any of the transportation and communication technologies available today.

Painstakingly researched for three years, Amazon Adventure enlisted the expertise of more than 100 scientists and historical advisors. The team’s commitment to authenticity not only resulted in this rigorous re-creation –

even using actual instruments and tools from the 1850s – but the writing team also incorporated many of Bates’ own words, as he was a gifted storyteller. The film, a co-production between Canada, the UK and Brazil, was granted unprecedented access by the Natural History Museum of London to film Bates’ own scientific field notebooks and botanical drawings, and to film the butterflies he personally collected over 160 years ago – butterflies that had never left the museum, and had to go into quarantine for two weeks after filming.

Developed and produced in close collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, Amazon Adventure also received major funding from the National Science Foundation through the film’s educational outreach partner, Pacific Science Center. Other key partners include the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Simons Foundation, and Foxconn Brazil and Vale.

SPECIAL PROGRAMMING: In celebration of Amazon Adventure, “Amazon Adventure Day” will take place on Saturday, May 27 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This family event allows guests to discover the wonders of the jungle with rainforest-themed crafts, games and hands-on activities that highlight the inhabitants and history of the region.

Additionally, guests can enjoy Amazon Adventure during Fernbank’s adults-only event, Fernbank After Dark. Featuring exclusive Museum access for ages 21+, Fernbank After Dark is a monthly event curated for young professionals to offer a variety of unique after-hours experiences, including evening access to Museum exhibitions, live music, full bars, tapas menus, films in the Giant Screen Theater, and all-new science discoveries. Activities and science themes change regularly along with a variety of fun and immersive programming.

HOURS AND TICKETS: Amazon Adventure will show daily in Fernbank’s Giant Screen Theater beginning Saturday, May 20. Amazon Adventure will also show Friday evenings during Fernbank After Dark.

For exact show times, visit http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/explore/giant-screen-theatre/. Film tickets are $13 for adults, $12 for seniors, $11 for children, and $8 for Museum members, and can be purchased online at fernbankmuseum.org or by calling 404.929.6400.