Launched in 2016, Astra Film New Media Dome is a special program for audiences of all ages, from Sibiu and across the country, offering the spectacular experience of digital cinema. The focus shifts from the film production itself to the viewer’s unique experience. The films, projected in 360-degree cinema spaces, use advanced creative technologies, blending virtual reality, holograms, sound and visual effects, artificial intelligence, and digital projections, creating the impression that the spectator is truly part of the artistic world they’re invited to observe.
This year’s most awaited new media productions take iconic albums by Queen and Pink Floyd and present them in an immersive format, using spectacular music and visuals.
QUEEN HEAVEN. The spectacular production Queen Heaven by Robert Sawallisch (Germany, 2023, 80 min) takes viewers into the legendary world of Freddie Mercury and Queen, with their electrifying presence, creative lyrics, and impressive concerts. This tribute combines original music with rare photographs, videos, and spectacular 360-degree laser effects, accompanied by famous hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," "Radio Ga Ga," "Who Wants to Live Forever," and "We Are the Champions."
PINK FLOYD. Another highly anticipated screening is Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon (Max Crow, UK, 2023, 44 min), an immersive interpretation of Pink Floyd's iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon, which was released 50 years ago. Even today, this timeless album feels fresh, especially with technology allowing for a unique combination of the band’s music with breathtaking views of the solar system and more, rendered in surround sound.
Journeys of Imagination. Other films screened at the Cinema Dome in Piața Mare take audiences on incredible journeys of discovery. From cosmic voyages that blend real and artificial imagery in Impossible Space (dir. Rocco Helmchen, Johannes Kraas – Germany, 2024 – 46 min), to journeys through micro and macro-cosmos in search of the origins of life (Dark Biosphere – dir. Javier Bollain – Spain, 2024 – 27 min), or into a stunning universe where futuristic cities and surreal architecture come to life in Local Dystopias in a Global Utopia (dir. Sergey Prokofyev – Germany, 2024 – 24 min).
The Cinema Dome will also host numerous films for children and teenagers. They’ll be transported, at light speed, through time and space on adventures that explore the unimaginable connections between oceanic and space life or face captivating explorations of the great human questions where religion and science meet to reveal the mysteries of existence.
About Astra Film Festival. Launched in 1993 as an innovative project, the Astra Film International Documentary Film Festival in Sibiu is one of the most important non-fiction film festivals in Europe, included by the European Film Academy in the list of festivals authorized to make direct nominations for the European Film Awards. AFF is under the High Patronage of the President of Romania and is organized by Astra Film, CNM Astra, and the Astra Film Foundation.
Strategic Partner: Ministry of Culture
Supported by Sibiu County Council, the National Center for Cinematography, the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sibiu, the Filmmakers Union, the Romanian Cultural Institute, Dacin Sara Association, and AFCN.
Co-financed by: Sibiu Local Council through Sibiu City Hall
Main Sponsor: ING Bank
Sponsors: Mecatronics, Groupama, URSUS, Martini, Cinelab, Reef Distribution Dome, Luthelo, TheRefresh, Algeco, Decathlon, Produs în Sibiu, Kulinarium, Cărturești, GLS, Cotnari, Agence K, Pepsi, Cartofiserie, Promenada Sibiu
DocTank Sponsors: ProTV, Voyo, Chainsaw Europe Studio, Raina Film Festival Distribution, Institute of Documentary Film
Recommended by: Europa FM
Main Media Partners: PRO TV, VOYO
Cultural Partners: TVR, TVR Cultural
Media Partners: TV5 Monde, Euronews Romania, Radio Romania Cultural, News.ro, G4media, Spotmedia, Hotnews, Vorbitorincii.ro, Tribuna, Turnul Sfatului, Sibiu 100%, Mesagerul de Sibiu, Ora de Sibiu, Sibiu Independent, Sibiul Azi, Știri de Sibiu, Hermannstädter Zeitung, Nine O’Clock, Edupedu, Observator Cultural, MovieNews, Cinefan, Cinefilia, Revista FILM, LiterNet, Zile și Nopți, Radio Color, Cineuropa, Film New Europe
Monitoring Partner: MediaTrust
Communication Partner: PiArt Vision
