JERUSALEM 3D, Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jerusalem: sacred to half the people on earth; fought over more than any other place in history; conquered and destroyed, rebuilt and reinvented repeatedly over 5,000 years. JERUSALEM 3D, a giant screen film adventure, immerses audiences in a cinematic journey—soaring high above the Holy Land and plunging deep into the vibrant Old City— to experience iconic sites cherished by billions, and explore on a grand scale the intersection of science, history and religion in this ancient, enigmatic place. Distributed by National Geographic Studios, the original production from Cosmic Picture and Arcane Pictures will premiere at the California Science Center IMAX^® Theater on March 10, 2015.

Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game," "Star Trek into the Darkness," PBS's "Sherlock"), JERUSALEM 3D gives audiences a rare glimpse of the storied city, and exclusive access to iconic holy sites—including the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jordan River, Sea of Galilee, and the mountain fortress of Masada—and to little-known parts of the region. The 43-minute large format film was executive produced by the late Jake Eberts, legendary producer of movies such as "Gandhi," "Chariots of Fire," and "Dances with Wolves"; produced by Taran Davies, George Duffield and Daniel Ferguson; and written and directed by Daniel Ferguson.  Large format industry veteran Reed Smoot, ASC, is Director of Photography.

Special access is one of the unique aspects of the film. With thousands of archaeological sites, Jerusalem is one of the most excavated cities on the planet, with so much more waiting to be discovered. Since 2010, the JERUSALEM 3D production team has followed several of the most impressive excavations in and around Jerusalem, documenting their progress as well as the tools used to uncover and understand the past. The film features renowned archaeologist and religious studies professor Dr. Jodi Magness of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who explains the many layers that chronicle this important crossroads of civilizations. She leads a group of students through an ancient water tunnel beneath the biblical-era city of Jerusalem, which conveyed water from the Gihon Spring outside the city walls to the residents of the city in the event of a siege by an invading army. Audiences are given a tour of excavations around the Western Wall, marveling at one of the ancient world's greatest feats of engineering.

"The California Science Center is a perfect fit for JERUSALEM 3D," said producer Taran Davies. "The film soars above the Old City in rare aerial footage (the first time in over 25 years such filming has been allowed), and travels underground to where archaeologists are studying the city's many layers and piecing together a 5,000-year-old jigsaw puzzle."

"The film looks at the historic roots of Jerusalem's universal appeal and what science reveals about how people have lived there over millennia. It also gives a taste of what it is like to live in Jerusalem today, as experienced by three young women of different faiths who call it home," said producer George Duffield.

Movie-goers will meet these three teenagers—Farah Ammouri, Revital Zacharie, and Nadia Tadros—each of them from one of the three major world religions that share the Old City.  From the Damascus Gate and the Dome of the Rock, to the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the girls each reveal the Holy City from their own perspective. For those of the Jewish faith, Jerusalem represents their homeland.  Every synagogue in the world faces Jerusalem, and three times a day, Jews pray towards the temple that once stood here above "the Kotel" or Western Wall. For Christians, Jerusalem is the place where Jesus was arrested and sentenced to death nearby in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Via Dolorosa, or 'Way of Sorrows,' is said to be the path Jesus took on his way to crucifixion. For Muslims, Jerusalem is the city of the prophets. Muslims believe that Mohammed was taken on a miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem where he ascended to Heaven on a ladder of light, which they associate with the Dome of the Rock.

After viewing the film, Science Center visitors are encouraged to visit "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition," which also opens on March 10, 2015. In this exhibition, guests will discover the science and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, manuscripts written and hidden in caves 2000 years ago, in an exhibition that is the largest of its type ever mounted outside of Israel. Featured will be sections from 10 of the Dead Sea Scrolls, including parts of the oldest known copies of the Hebrew bible, also known as the Old Testament. Over half of these scroll selections have never before been seen in the US. Other highlights include a 3-ton stone from Jerusalem's Western Wall and over 600 archeological artifacts. Through multimedia exhibits, guests explore the technology used to date and decipher these ancient manuscripts, and preserve them for future generations.

To purchase tickets to see "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition," or combination tickets to see "Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition" and an IMAX film, please visit http://californiasciencecenter.org/visit/admission/dead-sea-scrolls-admission. To purchase tickets to see JERUSALEM 3D, please visit http://californiasciencecenter.org/visit/admission/imax-admission.

For more information on JERUSALEM 3D, including links to the trailer, and behind-the-scenes videos, visit www.jerusalemthemovie.com. Become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/jerusalemthemovie. Or follow on Twitter @Jerusalem_Movie, #jerusalemfilm.

About the California Science Center 
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the  wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe- inspiring films.

The 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. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $5.00 to $8.25. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th / Exposition Park Drive at $10 per car, and $25 for commercial buses or oversize vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

Proceeds from the IMAX Theater support California Science Center exhibit and education programs.

About National Geographic
With a mission to inspire, illuminate and teach, the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. The member-supported Society, which believes in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world, reaches over 600 million people each month through its media platforms, products and events. National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 research, conservation and exploration projects, and its education programs promote geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com, and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

MEDIA CONTACTS
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Roslan & Campion PR
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Kristina Kurasz
California Science Center
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kkurasz@cscmail.org

SOURCE California Science Center Foundation