" Witness Nature’s Drama Unfold "
Close Encounters is an 8K fulldome wildlife film that takes audiences on an immersive virtual safari, bringing them face-to-face with Africa’s most iconic animals. Directed by Telmo dos Reis and produced by VR Capture, it offers a unique perspective on nature and conservation through breathtaking visuals, spatial surround sound, and expert storytelling by ranger Shane Raw. Filmed in South Africa, the film captures intimate encounters, from a lion reaching for the camera to a herd of elephants surrounding the lens. Using cutting-edge technology and wildlife expertise, it delivers a powerful conservation message, highlighting the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems. Set for international distribution in planetariums and immersive theaters, Close Encounters brings the wonders of African wildlife to audiences worldwide.
Credits
Directed & Produced by
Telmo dos Reis
Filmed by
Telmo dos Reis
Samkelo Mahlalela
Sihle Makalima
Bayete Zulu Game Ranger
Julian Jackson
Copy Editor
Daniel Connor
Fulldome Post Production
VR Capture
Animation
Siemon Steyn
Gimbal Media
Spacial Audio design & Mix
Samkelo Mahlalela
MixelWave Audio
Written by
Shane Raw
Telmo dos Reis
Field Audio Recording
Samkelo Mahlalela
Sihle Makalima
Bayala Lodge game Ranger
Chris Magee
Stock Footage
VR Capture
Deep VR
Video Editor
Telmo dos Reis
Fulldome VFX + Rotoscope
Sihle Makalima
Poster Design
Anthea van Staden
Produced by
VR Capture
Featuring & Narrated by
Shane Raw
Production Coordinator
Jaclyn dos Reis
Photographers
Chantelle Meizer
Antony Cousins
Location
Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Babanago Game Reserve
Dayala Private Safari Lodges
Kwazulu Natal
South Africa
Color Grading
Michelle Wilson
VRCapture
Telmo dos Reis
Director, Producer and Writter
Telmo dos Reis is a VR content creator with a deep passion for conservation. For over nine years, he has been crafting immersive experiences that blend storytelling with cutting-edge technology. One of his proudest achievements is “Exodus – The Great Migration,” a groundbreaking wildlife documentary made in 2016, that was among the first fully narrated cinematic VR experiences in the world. In 2019, he created “Close Encounters,” a series that explores the lives of animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos, aiming to cultivate appreciation for these creatures and their habitats. Another project close to his heart is “Sida Tsoatsoas,” a full dome film where he combines live-action and animation to share the rich storytelling traditions of the ǂKhomani people, offering profound insights into human connections and the cosmos.