▲ The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Lightroom Seoul

From June 29 to September 30, 2024, the immersive content exhibition hall "Lightroom Seoul" in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, will host a groundbreaking documentary, "The Moonwalkers: A Journey With Tom Hanks."

This immersive documentary, co-written and produced by Hollywood star Tom Hanks and former BAFTA-nominated director and writer Christopher Riley, showcases humanity's relentless pursuit of space exploration. Known for his passion for space, Tom Hanks also serves as the narrator, guiding visitors through the awe-inspiring lunar missions with his captivating voice. 

▲ Tom Hanks, Courtesy of Lightroom Seoul

With a runtime of approximately 50 minutes, the film utilizes open-source materials from NASA, featuring thousands of original photos taken by 12 astronauts of the Apollo missions (Apollo 11 to 17) with medium-format Hasselblad cameras. These photos have been digitally remastered to offer an authentic glimpse into the Apollo missions.

The journey begins with the Apollo 11 mission, highlighting Neil Armstrong's historic first steps on the lunar surface. Tom Hanks's narration provides context and emotion, connecting viewers to the triumphs and challenges faced by the astronauts. The documentary then progresses through subsequent Apollo missions, each with its unique achievements and obstacles, painting a comprehensive picture of humanity's quest to explore the Moon. 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Lightroom Seoul

Lightroom Seoul provides an unparalleled viewing experience with 27 high-spec projectors installed to project content on four walls and the floor, surrounding viewers on all five sides. This setup allows for a 360-degree viewing experience, from the majestic lunar landscapes to the breathtaking sight of Earth rising from the Moon. The combination of this immersive environment with a soundtrack composed by Anne Nikitin and performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra creates a multi-sensory experience, engaging both sight and sound.

"The Moonwalkers: A Journey With Tom Hanks" goes beyond historical recounting, incorporating interviews with astronauts from the upcoming Artemis program. These interviews offer insights into the future of lunar exploration, bridging the past achievements with future aspirations. The Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence, setting the stage for further exploration of Mars and beyond. 

▲ The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of Lightroom SeoulAdditionally, the exhibition delves into the technological advancements and scientific discoveries made possible by the Apollo missions. Visitors can explore interactive displays that explain the innovations in rocketry, materials science, and computer technology that were driven by the space race. These exhibits underscore the broader impacts of space exploration on our everyday lives, from satellite communications to medical imaging technologies.

The documentary also pays tribute to the lesser-known heroes of the Apollo program—the engineers, scientists, and support staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Through archival footage and personal anecdotes, the film highlights their invaluable contributions, painting a fuller picture of the collaborative effort required to achieve these monumental goals.

"The Moonwalkers: A Journey With Tom Hanks" is not just a film but an educational experience designed to inspire and inform. By revisiting the heroic tales of the Apollo missions and looking ahead to the future of space exploration, this exhibition aims to spark curiosity and ignite the spirit of adventure in visitors of all ages.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com