Journey to Mecca

Dramatic North African desert landscapes. Unprecedented access to the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Breathtaking aerial views. A cosmic experience. That’s how some reviewers have responded to Journey to Mecca, coming to the IMAX theatre at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton on March 19. This stunning new film, narrated by Oscar-winning actor Ben Kingsley and presented in Edmonton by Imperial Equities, brings to life on the giant screen Islamic history and culture as never before.

Journey to Mecca is the sensational and award-winning new IMAX movie about the legendary Moroccan explorer, Ibn Battuta. He travelled for 30 years, logging 75,000 miles through 44 countries and became one of the greatest explorers of all time. Battuta’s legacy is one of the greatest travel journals ever recorded. A crater on the moon is named in his honour.

“We are excited about this terrific new film,” says Dan VanKeeken, director of marketing and communications at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton. “It’s a great adventure story, first and foremost. But it will also expose our viewers to moving and rare imagery of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, both ancient and modern, and educate and entertain people of all ages on the richness of Islamic culture—and do all of this the way only films in IMAX can do.”

Journey to MECCA was filmed in Saudi Arabia and Morocco and follows Battuta on his first pilgrimage in 1325, from Tangier to Mecca. His perilous journey resonates with adventure while presenting an unforgettable picture of Islamic civilization during the 14th century. He travels across the North African desert, visits the splendid city of Cairo, is thwarted by war at the Red Sea, joins the legendary Damascus Caravan with thousands of pilgrims, camels, water carriers, bee keepers, bankers, soldiers and musicians, for the final leg of what became his 5,000 mile, 18-month journey to Mecca—just the first stage of what would become decades of far-ranging travel and five more trips to Mecca. Along the way he is tested by robbers, thirst, starvation, fever and blinding sandstorms, as well as experiencing the kindness of strangers, all of which transform him.

The film culminates with Battuta’s first Hajj, and dissolves into the most modern-day footage of the Muslim pilgrimage to the Grand Mosque ever recorded, with over three million pilgrims, in some of the most extraordinary and moving IMAX footage ever presented. Journey to Mecca has garnered critical acclaim and appreciative audiences wherever it has opened, the Toronto Star concluding, “Journey to Mecca will join the list of popular classics,” while Sun Media exulted: “Beautifully wrought film…a very touching and well done film…a definite must see!”

TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is a world-class, broad-based science centre that inspires and motivates people to learn about and contribute to science and technology. TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is a leader in providing high quality, interactive programs and exhibits that provide an avenue for both learning and entertainment, and which spark the imagination of people of all ages. The Edmonton Space & Science Foundation is a non-profit organization that operates TELUS World of Science – Edmonton.

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