The Upper Dublin School District hosted an exclusive screening of “OSIRIS-REx, To an Asteroid and Back,” a documentary produced and directed by alumnus James Tralie (‘15), on Saturday, September 14.
The film, which was shown in collaboration with NASA, follows the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid, exploring the mission’s challenges, the cutting-edge technology employed, and the groundbreaking scientific discoveries that could transform our understanding of the solar system.
“OSIRIS – REx” is Tralie’s first feature-length documentary film.
“I wanted to show all the intricate details, twists and turns, and unexpected discoveries that go along with a mission like this. Asteroid Bennu had many surprises in store, and the team managed to adapt to everything as they collected this precious sample from the surface,” said Tralie.
A TV/film producer, animator, and live TV host for NASA, Tralie creates educational explainer videos, documentary productions, and immersive content for all of NASA’s social channels and for television. He is one of the top digital artists in the world and has exhibited worldwide including in Times Square New York, at Shibuya Crossing in Japan, at the Crypto Art Fair in Abu Dhabi, Art Basel Miami, and in Montreal, Canada.
The Upper Dublin community is one of only three locations in the U.S. that have previewed the documentary, which will be airing on NASA+ at the end of September. You can watch the trailer below:
“This is a testament to the continuing opportunities we as a district can provide, and also, an area that we can continue to grow,” Robert Miller, a science faculty member at Sandy Run Middle School, said. “James found his way to NASA and into the world of multimedia production in a large part due to his experiences here in Upper Dublin School District.”
With over 100 people in attendance, the evening included demonstrations showcasing the Upper Dublin School District Planetarium’s capabilities, a full screening of “Osiris REx,” and a meet-and-greet with Tralie.
Some of Tralie’s early inspirations came from his experiences as an Upper Dublin High School student. He credits courses in geosciences with science faculty member Dr. Richard Schmidt for inspiring his interests in astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography. Tralie created a senior year science fair project with Dr. Schimdt using a drone with a radiosonde attached to study microclimates and the urban heat island effect.
Tralie was also introduced to film as a part of the Upper Dublin TV Broadcasting Club and took classes in digital animation. As a student, Tralie began submitting his films to film festivals around the world and earned screenings at the White House, in Los Angeles, at Regal Cinemas, on PBS, and at the local Greenfield Youth Film Festival.
“It is incredible to be back at Upper Dublin to showcase this film. I remember watching planetarium shows at the middle school planetarium many years ago and being inspired by the cosmos,” Tralie said. “It’s a full circle moment to now have my own film screening here. I’m honored to be back screening my film and am excited to see it at the planetarium!”
Photos: UDSD, jamestralie.com