Cinema Learning Challenge brings educational films to Las Vegas, reaching over 10,000 students, educators, and families since 2018. Founder Tina Ratterman has curated an exceptional collection of films produced for giant screens and IMAX® theaters, featuring content from renowned producers like Reef Distribution, MacGillivray Freeman Films, SK Films, and nWave.
Our local partner, Galaxy Theatres at Boulevard Mall, offers an outstanding viewing experience with top-tier visuals, audio, luxury seating, and exceptional customer service. In collaboration with the Clark County School District’s Career and Technical Education (CCSD-CTE) department, Cinema Learning Challenge hosts STEM Saturdays and weekday field trips, encouraging students to explore exciting careers in STEM fields.
Educators also participate in professional development workshops, where they can preview films and discover how these powerful educational tools spark student interest in careers and subjects highlighted on the screen.
Movie Options for the Las Vegas Program
Engineering, Science, & Technology
Touch the Stars centers on mankind’s probes used in exploration of our solar system and the galaxy beyond. The film traces the path to space through the history of NASA’s probes, orbiters, and landers, from the heart of our solar system to the surface of other planets and moons, to the grand tour of the Voyager spacecraft through the outer
planets and beyond. Created with the latest imagery and scientific data, Touch the Stars uses inspiring real footage and three-dimensional vistas of our solar system andinterstellar space to transport audiences to planets and distant stars alongside these
intrepid robot explorers.
Runtime: 38 Minutes
Imagine stepping 50 years into the future and finding smart cities designed to be totally sustainable. Renewable energy is our primary power source, space-based solar power provides solar energy 24 hours a day, everything is recycled, and you have your own
individualized pods that run on maglev trains using little or no energy. You can also ride an electric flying vehicle! Traffic jams are a thing of the past. This isn’t science fiction. Engineers are making plans for a sustainable world right now. And it’s coming to the
giant screen! Cities of the Future is an exciting giant screen experience from MacGillivray Freeman Films and the American Society of Civil Engineers, the award-winning team that brought
you Dream Big: Engineering Our World.
Runtime: 40 minutes
Narrated by Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges, Dream Big: Engineering Our World is a first of its kind film for IMAX ® and giant screen theatres that will transform how
we think about engineering. From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings, to underwater robots, solar cars and smart, sustainable cities, Dream Big celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small, and reveals the heart that drives engineers to create better lives for people around the world.
A MacGillivray Freeman Film in partnership with the American Society of Civil Engineers. Presented by Bechtel Corporation. Narrated by Jeff Bridges
Runtime: 42 minutes
Planet Power tells the story of electricity, from the first spark created by man’s hand to the largest power plants, the age of miracles to that of industry, from Benjamin Franklin’s kite to Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered plane capable of perpetual flight. Thus, it is also a story of pioneers, scientist and inventors, one that began 200 years ago, driven by innovation. Today electricity is indispensable to mankind. Energy of choice for innovation and development, electricity is also the energy of our future, as
long as it is produced in a cleaner and more sustainable way. By mixing traditional animation and CGI to spectacular aerial shots, Planet Power shows how renewable energy can help us fight climate change while improving our quality of life and protecting the environment. Now, thanks to clean technologies, the greatest forces of nature can help make our planet cooler and our future better.
Runtime: 41 Minutes
In the Footsteps of Albert Einstein invites audiences into a magical realm where the wonders of the cosmos and the force of gravity are brought to life through the curious eyes of Luke, a 12-year-old magician’s apprentice. Disenchanted with mundane magical spells and driven by a fascination with the
cosmos, Luke finds himself in the Albert Einstein Museum, where he encounters ALBY-X3, a quirky robot with encyclopedic knowledge about Einstein’s revolutionary theories. Together, they embark on an awe-inspiring voyage across time and space, in a unique blend of education and enchantment. This show blends science, friendship, and imagination. Viewers are treated to a visually stunning exploration of the universe, from the formation of stars and planets to the intricate dance of galaxies, all anchored by the fundamental principles of gravity as unveiled by Einstein. Beyond the scientific revelations, the show delves into the heart of human curiosity and the timeless bond between knowledge and imagination. The Secrets of Gravity is an invitation to dream, to question, and to explore the
boundless possibilities that lie within the universe … and within ourselves. Join Luke and ALBY-X3 on this magical journey and let your imagination soar to the realms of the unknown, where the secrets of the cosmos await.
Runtime: 45 Minutes
Environment and Nature
Join energetic Shorty, intelligent Indigo, and daring sawfish Jake on a colorful coral reef adventure. After a fishing trawler devastates their reef, the trio has no choice but to set out on a quest to find a new home. As they search the sea for a legendary reef, the friends encounter a variety of intriguing environments, from kelp forests to sunken wrecks — and even outer space! Their unforgettable journey brings them face-to-face with an octopus, dolphins, anglerfish, and other exotic creatures. Throughout their adventure, they must avoid hungry sharks, hazardous pollution, and other dangers, as they seek a reef that may be a myth.
Runtime: 45 Minutes
The vastness of our planet’s oceans holds unimaginable secrets. One of its most precious is Kaluoka’hina, the enchanted reef, whose magic protects it from being discovered by humans. Kaluoka’hina’s colorful inhabitants have thus always lived in
peace… until the volcano erupts and the spell is broken. Now it’s up to the spirited young sawfish Jake and his cautious but loyal pal Shorty to restore the magic of Kaluoka’hina. Their only lead: the ancient legend that tells of touching the moon. But how is a fish supposed to touch the moon? This is just one of the intriguing puzzles that Jake and Shorty have to solve on their most exciting adventure ever: the quest to save their beloved reef. Along their journey, they encounter a diverse cast of marine inhabitants, each contributing to the rich tapestry of reef life with their unique stories and wisdom. This enchanting film masterfully weaves together elements of adventure, humor, and suspense, alongside important ecological and scientific concepts. Beyond its breathtaking visuals and engaging narrative, Kaluoka’hina — The Enchanted Reef serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the role each of us plays in preserving the natural wonders of our planet for future generations.
Runtime: 32 Minutes
Expedition Chesapeake invites you on an unparalleled cinematic adventure, guided by the Emmy Award-winning naturalist Jeff Corwin, through the sprawling waters and diverse habitats of the Chesapeake Bay. This flat screen and transformed giant screen
film traverses from the bustling cities of New York to the serene landscapes of Virginia, unveiling the hidden wonders of the United States’ most extensive estuary system. From the elusive hellbenders lurking in secluded mountain brooks to the majestic
ospreys soaring above the bay’s tranquil waters, this film paints a vivid portrait of a region bustling with life and brimming with stories, while celebrating the bay’s teeming biodiversity. Crafted with the insights of leading scientists, educators, and conservationists, Expedition Chesapeake is an immersive educational experience that inspires awe and action. As you journey through the lush forests, vibrant marshlands, and bustling waterways that define the Chesapeake, you’re not just a spectator — you’re part of a critical conversation about the future of our planet’s most precious resource: water. Expedition Chesapeake is a rallying cry for conservation, empowering audiences to become stewards of their local watersheds and advocates for sustainable
futures. Witness the splendor of the intricate web of life within the watershed and embrace the call to action for the Chesapeake and beyond.
Runtime: 45 Minutes.
A passion for skiers, a child’s dearest wish, a village’s deepest desire—snow is cause for joy. It is also a necessity for world water resources and for some, their livelihood. In an ever-changing world climate, a meteorologist follows the patterns of weather systems creating snow and helps us understand the different types of snow, where it falls and why—as well as its crucial impact on vegetation, wildlife, and people. Thanks to the wonders of 4K digital technology, audiences will traverse Alpine scenery, ski in the mountains of France, and fly over crystal glaciers in Antarctica — all in a quest
to better understand the magic of snow.
Runtime: 45 minutes
Ancient Caves brings science and adventure together as it follows paleoclimatologist Dr. Gina Moseley on a mission to unlock the secrets of the Earth’s climate in the most unlikely of places: caves. Moseley and her team of cave explorers travel the world exploring vast underground worlds in search of stalagmite samples – geologic
“fingerprints” – that reveal clues about the planet’s climate history. Their quest leads them to some of the world’s most remote caves, both above and below the water, in France, Iceland, the Bahamas, the U.S. and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Together, they go where very few humans will ever go, revealing the incredible lengths scientists will go to study the unknown. Narrated by Bryan Cranston
Runtime: 40 Minutes
As the glaciers retreated at the end of the last ice age, they left an astounding gift of connected rivers, lakes and wetlands across the heartland of North America. Today, these largely unknown water highways remain an oasis for sustaining wildlife. From the herds of bison that still roam the Great Plains to the vital honeybees that pollinate our crops and especially for the millions of magnificent birds that migrate along these “flyways.” Wings Over Water tells the story of the epic journeys of three amazing bird families – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck – with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors. Audiences will be captivated by the triumphs and challenges of these remarkable
creatures that defy all odds and soar across mountains, deserts, cities and forests as they head home to raise their young.
Runtime: 44 Minutes
It is a land of mystery and yet what happens here affects every single one of us. With never-before seen footage, our story brings audiences to the farthest reaches of this wild and majestic continent. It is the coldest, driest and windiest place on Earth with the roughest oceans and yet, weird and wonderful creatures thrive here in astounding abundance. Antarctica is the perfect fit for the Giant Screen. Using the latest underwater filming techniques, dive beneath sea ice, more than 6 feet thick, to experience the alien world of its seafloor – thousands of purple starfish scuttling to escape being entrapped by growing ice and elaborate jellyfish dancing a deadly dance. Swim alongside playful seals, soar above mountain peaks and vast penguin colonies and witness the largest congregation of fin and humpback whales ever filmed. Although so remote from us, Antarctica and its surrounding Southern Ocean play a vital role for the entire planet, regulating ocean currents, sea levels and its wildlife-filled waters can absorb huge amounts of carbon. New science is revealing that dramatic changes are occurring and rapidly warming this pristine land of snow and ice. No one owns Antarctica but it will take global cooperation and collaboration to protect it and ensure the future health of our planet.
Runtime: 45 Minutes
Weaving together documentary and narrative elements, Watermelon Magic chronicles a season on the family farm, as young Sylvie grows a patch of watermelons to sell at market. The film effortlessly illustrates elementary scientific concepts centered on the benefits of growing your own food, starting with a few seeds in the backyard. This compelling and fun documentary employs a unique visual style that the filmmakers created by assembling high-resolution digital still images with a combination of time-lapse, shutter-burst, and freeze-frame techniques, which set a rhythm and pace more akin to an animated film than traditional live-action. Set against the backdrop of the family farm, the film explores the themes of care, growth, and community through Sylvie’s interactions with her family and the natural world around her. The film’s nearly wordless narrative is complemented by a lively soundtrack, enhancing the visual storytelling and making it accessible and enjoyable for international audiences of all ages.
Runtime: 30 Minutes
Fantasy & Literature
For thousands of years, dragon mythology has existed across many cultures and continents, inspiring stories of terror, heroics, majesty and national pride. If dragons are just creatures of legend, how could these stories have emerged at different times in ancient Babylon, Greece, Asia and Medieval Europe? To answer this question, follow the unique tale of a dreamer and a scholar who share an unusual bond. The pair explore how dragons have influenced our culture, our art and literature, and our dreams,
and they discover that these legends have some basis in reality. Starring Max von Sydow and Laurence LeBoeuf.
Runtime: 41 Minutes