JWST Gets IMAX Documentary Celebrating Its First Image Anniversary

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST or Webb) is getting another documentary.

IMAX recently announced that the most advanced space telescope in the world is getting featured in another documentary celebrating the first picture it ever took.

JWST is also being featured in Netflix's 64-minute documentary called Cosmic Time Machine, which focuses on the space telescope's journey from inception to its achievements post-commission.

JWST first Image Documentary Details

JWST's first anniversary is getting a lot of recognition in the scientific community worldwide. According to a Space.com article, IMAX is releasing a documentary about the space telescope called "Deep Sky" in 2023.

According to the announcement IMAX gave at the National Academy of Science in Washington, D.C., Deep Sky is a 40-minute short film focusing on its launch until the first full-color image it took to celebrate its first picture. To be specific, the documentary goes behind the scenes of JWST's journey from its construction, launch, and the release of its first full-cover image to the public on July 12.

July 12 is also the day it received its commission as a fully operational scientific instrument.

According to IMAX documentaries head John Turner, Deep Sky represents "an exciting return to form for IMAX documentaries and its long tradition of immersive space films."

IMAX also revealed it has Oscar-nominated director Nathaniel Kahn who leads the documentary's production not just as its director, but also its producer and writer. Bonnie Hlinomaz of "White Gold" fame, is also co-producing Deep Sky.

Michelle Williams, who plays Anne Weying in "Venom: Let There Be Carnage," will be the documentary's narrator. She revealed that she's excited to work with Kahn and IMAX and narrate the story of JWST and the images it took.

"I've always been fascinated by the beauty and magnitude of space," Williams added.

Kahn, meanwhile, excitedly explained that JWST and the first pictures it took were a subject tailor-made for IMAX screens. He said that the IMAX format allows audiences to "appreciate the astonishing resolution of NASA's new telescope and to immerse yourself in cosmic landscapes that leave you filled with awe."

IMAX slated Deep Sky's release to theaters sometime in October 2023. The company may release more specific details as October approaches.

Global Appreciation For JWST

IMAX isn't the only company producing a documentary about JWST's journey. You may recall that Netflix recently released a teaser for its documentary "UNKNOWN: Cosmic Time Machine."

The documentary, which is the fourth part of the UNKNOWN documentary series, also covers the space telescope's development, construction, and achievements. It will also feature "unique access behind-the-scenes" to NASA's desire to launch the space telescope.

Interestingly, Netflix reportedly produced the four-part documentary to celebrate the space telescope's first anniversary of its first deep sky imagery. It will release its Webb documentary on July 24; people interested in watching it on its release day must get a Netflix subscription to do so.