The Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium

“Backyard Wilderness,” captures the unexpected wonders of nature that are right under our noses – in our own backyards. Winning many awards, including ‘Best Children’s Film’ at the International Wildlife Film Festival, ‘Best Creativity Film’ at Beijing International Film Festival, and Gold Awards for Best Short Documentary, Best Family/Children’s Film, Best Directing, and Best Cinematography at the 52^nd Annual Worldfest, this film covers the changing seasons during a year around a suburban home, displaying a stunning array of unique wildlife images and behavior – all captured by cameras mounted inside dens and nests, and moving along the forest floor and the pond bottom, revealing their inhabitants in breathtaking intimacy.

This immersive, hemispheric, digital film follows the daily dramas of common animals - like the turtle, heron, frog, raccoon and dragonfly - juxtaposed with the activities of nearby humans more concerned with their computer screens, mobile devices, and the endless pursuit of money and success. Kids will relate to the young narrator, Katie, as she transforms from a screen-obsessed technophile who's uncomfortable without her phone or tablet into a nature-friendly animal lover. It tells the story of our disconnect with nature, aiming to inspire a new and transformative connection with the natural world around us.

Run Time: 45 minutes
Genre: Documentary