Feature Film

Close Encounters: Larger than Life Virtual Safari

Experience a breathtaking journey into Africa's wild heart, where you come face-to-face with majestic wildlife in a transformative virtual safari guided by an expert ranger.

Produced by

Telmo dos Reis

Directed by

Telmo dos Reis

Project Description

A Full-Dome Wildlife Adventure. Step into the wild like never before with Close Encounters, a breathtaking 30-minute full-dome film that brings Africa’s majestic wildlife to life. Experience the thrill of coming face-to-face with lions, elephants, rhino, giraffes, and many more—all from the safety of your seat, yet closer than you ever thought possible. Guided by an expert ranger, this immersive journey takes you across the sprawling savannahs of South Africa. Directed by Telmo dos Reis, 'Close Encounters' elevates the virtual safari experience to new heights, showcasing the natural world’s grandeur on a scale only possible in dome theaters. Prepare for an adventure that’s not just a film, but a transformative connection with nature. Close Encounters invites you to witness wildlife in a way that inspires awe, respect, and a renewed commitment to conservation.

About the Director

Telmo dos Reis is a VR content creator with a deep passion for conservation. For over nine years, he has been crafting immersive experiences that blend storytelling with cutting-edge technology. One of his proudest achievements is "Exodus - The Great Migration," a groundbreaking wildlife documentary made in 2016, that was among the first fully narrated cinematic VR experiences in the world. In 2019, he created "Close Encounters," a series that explores the lives of animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos, aiming to cultivate appreciation for these creatures and their habitats. Another project close to his heart is "Sida Tsoatsoas," a full dome film where he combines live-action and animation to share the rich storytelling traditions of the ǂKhomani people, offering profound insights into human connections and the cosmos. Telmo's portfolio also includes the innovative Umfula VR, a 360 VR experience that delves into themes such as water spirituality, Zulu traditions, South African history, and pressing environmental issues. As the director of VR Capture, Telmo brings his expertise in immersive technology to Umfula, creating detailed and interactive virtual environments that vividly depict critical themes like conservation, climate change, and community conflicts. His technical contributions significantly enhance the narrative and visual storytelling of Umfula, ensuring that users can fully engage with and learn from this compelling and transformative journey. Telmo is always on the lookout for meaningful projects that push the boundaries of technology and inspire positive change. His goal is to showcase Africa's beauty and cultural richness while encouraging a deeper connection with nature.