See the award-winning, full-dome show “Tales of The Maya Skies” in a special presentation of the film with a behind-the scenes talk story with director Arne Jin An Wong at 7 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Imiloa Astronomy Center’s planetarium.
Known to be one of the most advanced and complex civilizations of the old world, the Maya were noted for their remarkable knowledge and accomplishments in areas ranging from food, art, architecture, textiles, and science.
“Tales of the Maya Skies” is an animated film about the history and culture of the Yucatan’s ancient Maya people that showcases their contributions to science, mathematics and astronomy and how it connected them to the universe.
As an added special component of this presentation, there will be a talk story session with Wong. Wong will address the evolution of Mayan astronomy, from mythology, to astrology, then to astronomy, and what we have learned from their successes and mistakes. He will also share how new technologies developed for the film’s production have been able to advance current archeological exploration.
Wong’s first directing job working on a television series was for Stan Lee, owner of Marvel Productions starting in 1976, directing “Spiderman,” “GI Joe,” “Incredible Hulk,” “X-Men,” and “Fantastic Four.” Later, he directed for Warner Bros. Animation, Walt Disney, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and Nickelodeon. His most prestigious work in this field was to develop “Dora, The Explorer” for Nickelodeon Cartoons. Wong developed the visual design and animation samples on “Dora,” and created the visual style that helped to make the show successful in the U.S., Europe and China.
Other shows he has directed include “Dark Wing Duck,” “Tiny Toons” and “Catdog.”
Wong and his wife moved to South Kona in 2016. He continues to teach animation and art at local community art centers and public schools. He is presently involved in working on his own graphic novel and children’s coloring books.
Info: Visit www.ImiloaHawaii.org or call 932-8901.