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The Hasselblad Foundation supports dome film about the moon landings

13 June 2025

Maria Karlberg

Visualization Center C in Norrköping is creating a new 3D full dome production to take the audience on a journey back to the moon landings. This involves the use of authentic image and film material shot by the Apollo astronauts. The images were taken using a Hasselblad camera, and the Hasselblad Foundation has contributed funding for the film Once Upon the Moon.

Black and white picture of a man on the moon wearing a space suit Photographer: David A. Scott, Nasa
The astronaut Alan Bean on the moon.

“With the help of the OpenSpace software, which is being developed here at Visualization Center C, we can visualise all existing data about the moon digitally. It’s incredibly exciting that the Hasselblad Foundation wants to join us on this journey, which we hope will inspire both old and new space enthusiasts,” says Anna Öst, producer and LiU alum.

Lunar module
Visualisation of the lunar lander from the Apollo 15 mission using the OpenSpace software. Photographer: OpenSpace, Visualiseringscenter C
When the Apollo programme astronauts travelled to the moon in the 1960s and 70s, the cameras that captured some of the most iconic images of humankind were designed and developed by Victor Hasselblad’s team. These cameras, together with the astronauts, enabled more people to experience the moon landing up close.

“We’re very happy to be part of this unique project together with Visualization Center C. The fact that the images from the moon, taken with the Hasselblad camera, get to play such a key role in storytelling is amazing. Now, when it’s more important than ever to spread knowledge based on science, we see this as a powerful opportunity to reach out to both new and experienced space enthusiasts – with credibility, technology and imagination as driving forces,” says Kalle Sanner, CEO of the Hasselblad Foundation.

Astronauts featured

The production and the visualisation tool have enabled Apollo astronauts Charlie Duke and Harrison Schmitt, who took part in the expeditions and are interviewed in Once Upon the Moon, to relive their lunar journeys. Astronauts Christina Koch and Marcus Wandt are also interviewed; the latter was appointed honorary doctor at Linköping University in 2024. The film also features Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.

The surface of the moon seen through a window
Visualisation of Earthrise over the lunar surface, based on the iconic photograph taken by Bill Anders during the Apollo 8 mission. Photographer: OpenSpace, Visualiseringscenter C
Once Upon the Moon is directed by Carter Emmart, one of the world’s foremost in dome productions and also an honorary doctor at LiU. As a Peter Wallenberg visiting professor of visual science communication, he has realised his vision to bring more people back to the moon, in close collaboration with Anders Ynnerman, Professor of Scientific Visualization at LiU and Director of Visualization Center C.

“Fifty years ago, man explored the surface of the moon for the first time. By combining archive material and interviews with those who were there with data visualisation and immersive technology, we can now let the audience experience the Apollo journeys in a completely new way. This production bridges the generations between those who travelled to the moon then and those working to get us there again,” says Carter Emmart.

Premiere in early 2026

What distinguishes a dome theatre from a regular cinema is mainly the dome-shaped projection surface surrounding the audience. Visualization Center C has its own 3D full dome production team. Their productions have won several international awards and are on display in dome theatres worldwide.

Once Upon the Moon opens in early 2026.

Translation: Anneli Mosel

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