Science Movie Night
Great films. Great science. Great discussions.
The 2nd Tuesday of every month, join us for free movie screenings followed by lively discussion with an expert in the field, presented by the Natural History Museum of Utah in partnership with the Utah Film Center, and The City Library. All films begin at 7pm in the Main Library Auditorium. Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah's website for more information.
SCHEDULED EVENTS
Tue, May 14, 7pm
Twister
Directed by Jan De Bont
PG-13 | 113 min | 1996 | USA
In this dizzying, effects-driven drama, two scientists (Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton) chase tornadoes in their quest to deploy a new recording device to study the storms. Taking a backseat to the wild and visually mesmerizing storms are subplots concerning a failing marriage, childhood trauma, and corporate ethics. The film received multiple Academy Awards for its spectacular sound and visual effects, including the famous flying cow. After the film, a panel of graduate researchers from the University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences will share their own experiences tornado chasing and dive into the science behind severe storms.
Tue, June 11, 7pm
Japan's Killer Quake
Directed by Jan De Bont
NR | 53 min | 2011 | USA
Filmed shortly after the devastating Tohoku earthquake of March 2011, this NOVA documentary examines the powerful geologic forces that unleashed the quake and how they brought Japan to the brink of a nuclear meltdown. Using exclusive footage and illuminating animations, the film follows the progress of the earthquake as it was generated under the Pacific Ocean, travelled throughout the Japanese mainland, and produced a destructive tsunami. After the film, join University of Utah Research Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics James Pechmann for a discussion of new understandings of the Tohoku earthquake and his research on earthquake hazards in Utah.
Tue, July 9, 7pm
Fighting Fire with Fire
Directed by Michelle Metivier
Not Rated | 44 min | 2005 | Canada
Monster forest fires, big enough to be seen from space and hot enough to create their own weather, used to be a once-in-a-decade nightmare. But now, they're an everyday summer reality across vast stretches of North America. This documentary raises questions about conventional methods of fighting fire and whether decades of suppressing fire have simply made matters worse. Fighting Fire with Fire ventures into the forests of Banff National Park where the park wardens have experimented with prescribed burns and examines the resource and public perception challenges of improved fire management in a changing climate. After the film, join Mitchell Power, NHMU Curator and Assistant Professor in the U of U Department of Geography, for a discussion of his research on Utah’s ancient and modern wildfire patterns and how understanding the implications of climate change for Utah could lead to better fire suppression policies.
Location: Main Library Auditorium
Contact Information: 801-524-8200