New IMAX film 'Pandas' opens at The Fleet Science Center

Warner Bros. Pictures' new IMAX film "Pandas" opens Friday, April 6.

San Diego Union-Tribune

April 2, 2018 10 AM PT

Who doesn’t love cute and cuddly pandas?

Now, you can watch them in the wild in the new IMAX documentary “Pandas,” set to open Friday, April 6, at The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park. It’s narrated by actress Kristen Bell (“Frozen,” The Good Place” and “Veronica Mars”).

The film follows a scientist from the Chengdu Panda Base in China as they prepare captive-born panda cubs for re-introduction to the wild, specifically one special panda named Qian Qian.

“I am thrilled to team up with IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures to help tell this incredible story in the larger-than-life IMAX format,” Bell said of the film, which is directed by David Douglas and Drew Fellman.

“Pandas not only spotlights the important work being done to protect these beloved and ridiculously cute animals, but it provides us with inspiration and hope and showcases the great things we can achieve when we work together.”

The film is rated G.

“Pandas”: Opens Friday, with multiple shows daily. Heikoff Giant Dome Theater, The Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for children (3-12 years of age) and $16.95 for seniors (65 and up). Tickets include the entrance to the galleries and the IMAX film. fleetscience.org/shows/pandas

Twitter: @outdoorlivingsd

michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com

Arts | Culture

Michael James Rocha

Michael James Rocha is the digital creative director at the Union-Tribune. He oversees the online presentation of Union-Tribune stories online and has oversight of the photo and graphics teams. Most recently, he was the arts and entertainment editor. During his tenure, the Union-Tribune’s Sunday arts section was named the best in the nation two years in a row (2021 and 2022). Michael started his career at the Union-Tribune in December 1997 as a features page designer. He eventually became the features design editor, managing a staff of 15 designers and 17 features sections. Through the years, he has done stints as the front page designer, audience development editor and home decor editor. He previously wrote a monthly column on outdoor living, which focused on outdoor decor. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications (with an emphasis on print journalism) from California State University-Fullerton in 1994. He is a founding member of the Asian American Journalists Association’s San Diego chapter, and he has taught magazine writing, editing and design at Point Loma Nazarene University. He also loves dogs.