Johnny McDonald | Exploring Balboa Park

Local filmmakers dive deep

The Reuben H. Fleet’s current IMAX “Journey to the South Pacific” can best be described as a two-parter. It begins with the simple life of a native boy and the second half is a plunge into tropical waters.

The film, narrated by Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, features stunning underwater photography by Del Mar’s veteran filmmakers and ocean explorers, Howard and Michele Hall.

The trip goes to the islands of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and below the sea. You will join Jawi, a young island boy, as he leads a journey of discoveries.

Howard Hall, director of underwater photography, and Michele Hall (underwater photographer), both attended the Fleet’s premiere on Feb. 12 to discuss the film and their work, including their filming of some of the most diverse marine ecosystem on Earth.

“Enormous whale sharks, sea turtles and manta rays come within touching range,” Howard said.

“To tell the [complete] story, four camera teams made a 65-hour trip from the U.S. to West Papua with 25,000 pounds of equipment.”

One team explored the islands’ native life, two others did the intricate art of underwater shooting amidst unpredictable conditions. The fourth is an aerial team that captured the inspiring perspectives.

Howard Hall is a pioneer of underwater IMAX films. Previously he directed Into the Deep, Island of the Sharks and Deep Sea 3D, and is a multiple Emmy Award winner.

Michele Hall entered the field of documentary filmmaking in 1991, following nearly two decades as a pediatric nurse. While her underwater still photos have been published internationally, the focus of her work has been producing marine wildlife documentary films.

Michele said she strives to make family-friendly films that raise awareness of an increase appreciation for the marine environment.

For showtimes of “Journey to the South Pacific” visit rhfleet.org.

Muscle cars at 50

The Auto Museum has lined up a dozen cars from local owners to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the muscle car era.

There are some who might argue muscle car emphasis really dates back to the Muroc Dry Lake runs in the 1930s or, possibly, the dominate Oldsmobile Rocket 88 that blew the doors off others in 1949-50 stock car racing. But it can’t be denied that from 1964 to 1973 Detroit automakers enjoyed the run.

Research Director Kenn Colclasure, who put the interesting museum display together, said the show will continue through May 31.

“We’ll have the pick from muscle car era that had featured the Buick GSX, Olds 442, Chevrolet, Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Charger and the Pontiac GTO,” he said. “They were the hot cars that excelled on the freeways until 1973.”

The Big Four (Ford, Chrysler, GM, and American Motors) produced, essentially, factory-built race cars for the general public. The muscle car, as it was labeled later on, was an intermediate sized, basic model with the largest engine available from the factory — a young man’s fantasy ride.

It all came to an end with the oil crisis of 1973, insurance providers coming to the realization of who was driving these cars, and, to some extent, a change in the American psyche in terms of the social good and the environment of muscle cars. The opening reception is Friday, Feb. 28 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. For more information, visit sdautomuseum.org.

Elsewhere in the Park — Local award-winning, singer-songwriter Steve Poltz will headline the final “ROCK in the PARK” concert at the Fleet Science Center on March 21 … The House of Pacific Relations will resume its Sunday (noon – 4 p.m.) open house programs that will continue through October, and  feature music, dance, traditional costumes, arts, crafts, and ethnic food. For more information, visit rhfleet.org.