Close Encounters – Full Dome

Close Encounters: Witness Africa’s Wildlife Like Never Before

An 8K Fulldome Safari Experience by VR Capture

Imagine standing eye-to-eye with a lion. Feeling the deep, rumbling breath of an elephant. Watching a rhino charge forward, its sheer power and presence overwhelming your senses.

This is Close Encounters—a groundbreaking 8K Fulldome film that brings you face-to-face with Africa’s most awe-inspiring wildlife like never before. Produced by VR Capture and directed by Telmo dos Reis, this immersive cinematic experience is a virtual safari like no other, taking audiences deep into the untamed wilderness of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

For the first time, planetarium and immersive theatre audiences can witness the raw power, grace, and intelligence of Africa’s most iconic animals up close—without barriers, without telephoto lenses, and without risk.

This is not just a film. It’s an experience.

The Thrill of a True Close Encounter

Unlike traditional wildlife documentaries that place the viewer at a distance, Close Encounters removes the boundary between human and animal. The cutting-edge Fulldome format engulfs the audience, placing them at the heart of the action, mere feet away from some of the most majestic and formidable creatures on Earth.

🐘 Feel the ground tremble as an elephant walks toward you, its towering form filling your vision.
🦁 Hold your breath as a lion locks eyes with you, its gaze both fearsome and mesmerising.
🦏 Witness the intensity of a rhino’s charge, sensing the immense power in every step.

Through stunning 360° visuals and spatial surround sound, you’ll feel every moment—the flick of an ear, the swish of a tail, the deep, reverberating growl of a predator hidden in the shadows. Every sound, every movement is real. You are not just watching nature—you are in it.

“This isn’t about observing from a safe distance,” says director Telmo dos Reis. “It’s about stepping into the wild and feeling its presence in a way never before possible.”

Witness Nature’s Drama Unfold

Beyond the awe-inspiring close-ups, Close Encounters captures the untamed, unscripted interactions of the wild.

🔹 Experience a rare moment of curiosity as a herd of elephants cautiously approaches the camera, their trunks reaching out to investigate.
🔹 Feel the tension as a lion locks onto its prey, its primal instincts taking over.
🔹 Be surrounded by the rhythms of the wild, from the distant calls of birds to the deep reverberation of a predator’s growl.

Every encounter is raw, unpredictable, and breathtaking—a privilege normally reserved for the most experienced rangers and wildlife experts. But now, thanks to cutting-edge 8K Fulldome cinematography, you can witness these extraordinary moments for yourself.

Filming the Impossible: Behind the Scenes

Creating Close Encounters required pioneering camera techniques and fearless filmmaking. The production team used specialised 360° cameras, high-tech drones, and rugged camera rigs to place viewers within inches of the animals—without disturbing them.

📷 State-of-the-art filming technology captured moments that traditional cameras could never achieve.
🎥 Low-impact filming methods ensured the animals remained undisturbed, allowing for natural, unfiltered behaviour.
🎧 Spatial sound recording immerses viewers in the authentic soundscape of the African wilderness.

“These moments are not staged,” says Dos Reis. “They are real, raw, and filled with wonder. It’s about being a quiet observer in the world of these incredible creatures, witnessing their lives unfold before your eyes.”

More Than a Film—A Call to Protect the Wild

Beyond the sheer spectacle of standing within arm’s reach of a lion or an elephant, Close Encounters carries a deeper message.

The film highlights the importance of protected wildlife areas, showing how conservation efforts allow these animals to thrive.
It reveals the delicate balance of ecosystems, emphasising the urgent need for habitat preservation.
Most importantly, it fosters a profound connection with nature, inspiring audiences to care about these magnificent creatures and the wild spaces they call home.

“When you see these animals up close—when you feel their presence—it changes you,” says Shane Raw, the film’s guide and co-writer. “You realize how important it is to protect them, not just for their sake, but for the future of our planet.”

Experience Close Encounters

💡 Are you ready to step into the wild? Close Encounters is now available for international screenings and festival submissions.

🔹 Press & Distribution Inquiries
📩 Telmo dos Reis[email protected]
📞 +27 72 971 2640
🌍 Production Website: www.vrcapture.co.za
📣 Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram

📽️ Watch the Trailer:
🎬 2D: Watch Here
🎥 360º: Watch Here

Prepare to be amazed. Prepare to come face-to-face with the wild.

This is Close Encounters.