FAQs

Are there more films coming?

We have ideas on future work we would like to do together, including some additional shorts and also a conceptual idea of a full length planetarium film about language and its intersection with science. We also imagine expanding and welcoming more partners committed to the goals of the project to increase understanding and create connections through our One Sky. There’s no commitment for future funding, but our group is interested in pursuing partnerships and grants.

How did you choose what stories to tell?

We were listeners first with each other, and looked for ways we were connected through the different indigenous and cultural narratives. We intuitively know that astronomy doesn’t start with Galileo, but schoolbooks would let us think that, and it’s a disservice to the vastness and diversity of the universe. This project sought seeked to share the science that underpins cultural and indigenous star knowledge. We had a long list to start with, but ultimately selected stories that the team thought were appropriate to share with diverse audiences and that connected people around the world. For example, all of the cultures represented in the One Sky Project have a story about the star pattern officially designated (by the International Astronomical Union) as Orion. We have several shorts that focus on this constellation, which is visible from all parts of the globe. The second set of films focused on tools.

What is the intent or desired outcome after watching these shorts?

We’d like people to feel the sense of wonder that we all felt -- that we live under One Sky, and that each of our cultures have brought their imagination and traditional ways of knowing,to underpin and inform cultural and scientific practice. This is active and alive to this day. We’d also like people to feel connected. For different cultures, speaking in different languages, on different ends of the earth -- we are connected by what we see overhead. And while the stories may be different they connect us and inform our lives. It’s really arkable when you think about it.

Were indigenous people consulted for this project? How did you engage with the indigenous communities for each respective short film?

We did. As part of the project we have Native Hawaiians, a ber of the Navajo Nation and a ber of the Innu Nation. We/they were involved in all aspects of the project from selecting what stories would be featured, to script development, to connecting the filmmaker with additional artists and musicians, and narrators from indigenous communities. While indigenous astronomy is a significant focus of the project, the net was even more inclusive with a broader focus on cultural astronomy which highlighted stories from China, India, and Japan. There’s not one of us who can represent an entire culture or people, but we do share our unique perspectives based on who we are, where we come from, and what we value.

How do these planetarium shorts benefit/uplift native voices and issues?

Let’s start by saying no 5-7 minute film can do the job of lifting up indigenous and cultural voices in all the ways that needs to happen. With eyes wide open, we all know that. It’s in part why we call ourselves the “One Sky Project.” A project is iterative, never finished, a “work in progress” so to speak. However, in two ways we think these shorts are a step nod in the right direction.

First, in content. We were listeners first with each other, and looked for ways we were connected through the different indigenous and cultural narratives. We were careful to select narratives that were appropriate to share.

Second, in process. How we did our work together should not be overlooked. We worked collaboratively and shared decision-making. This meant all voices were important and different types of expertise were honored and respected.

What was TMT’s role?

TMT sponsored the project. The ‘Imiloa Center for Astronomy was the convening nonprofit organization that invited and convened the partners for this effort. Collaborative is thankful for the support and simultaneously for the autonomy the One Sky Project team had to advance every aspect of the films in ways that are fully realized by what you will see in the planetarium.

Were indigenous people consulted for this project? How did you engage with the indigenous communities for each respective short film?

You will notice that some native languages are weaved into several of the films already. However, they aren’t fully translated, but we want t to be as that honors the spirit and intention of the work. Some of this is pending funding or the goodwill of different language partners to help us make this happen going forward.