Now, XYZZY, the award-winning film specially designed for screening in planetariums, has been nominated for the prestigious Best of Earth Awards 2025.
Recognised as one of the highest honours in full-dome film-making, the awards celebrate the most innovative and visually stunning works from around the globe.
XYZZY was created for Tūhura Otago Museum’s Perpetual Guardian Planetarium, a 360-degree dome theatre, by contemporary artist Jess Johnson and director Simon Ward.
The immersive, psychedelic planetarium show is a bold exploration of abstract worlds, surreal landscapes and mind-bending visuals.
Tūhura Otago Museum creative services exhibitions head Craig Scott said Ms Johnson’s hand-drawn illustrations had been brought to life by Mr Ward’s cutting-edge animation, and the art film takes audiences on a sensory journey, all set to a hypnotic 1990s-inspired electronic synthesiser soundtrack.
"This is a massive achievement for Tūhura Otago Museum and for New Zealand’s art, technology, and planetarium scene.
"To have XYZZY recognised at such a prestigious level is not only a testament to the incredible work of Jess and Simon, but also to the dedicated team here at Tūhura.
The film has already won the best art film award at the 2024 Dome Under Film Festival in Melbourne, and was selected for the DomeFest West Festival in the United States.
"This exciting nomination adds to its growing international reputation as a groundbreaking example of immersive art," Mr Scott said.
"This nomination is a great reflection of the talent and creativity within our community.
"It highlights the significance of Tūhura Otago Museum, not just as a space for science and education, but also as a hub for artistic innovation."
The film premiered at the museum in 2023.
The awards will be announced on March 26.
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