Journey to Mecca is an IMAX dramatic and documentary feature, filmed in Saudi Arabia and Morocco in both English and Arabic, with background Berber. The film tells the amazing story of Ibn Battuta, the greatest explorer of the Old World, following his first pilgrimage between 1325 and 1326 from Tangier to Mecca. His perilous journey resonates with adventure while presenting an unforgettable picture of Islamic civilization during the 14th century, culminating with Ibn Battuta’s first Hajj. The story is bookended by a close-up look at the contemporary Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca that draws three million Muslims from around the world every year, who perform rituals that have taken place for over 1,400 years.

IMAX® films can take people to places they would otherwise never go, from Mt. Everest to the deep sea to outer space. The Hajj, the longest running congregation of humans annually on planet earth, is definitely a unique experience for the medium. For non- Muslims it is the closest they will ever come to witnessing this extraordinary event, and for Muslims it takes on an even deeper significance. Journey to Mecca is produced by National Geographic, SK Films, and Cosmic Pictures.

The official website of the film is http://www.journeytomeccagiantscreen.com/ 

Pricing:

The film will open January 14 at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. and is slated to run through March of 2010. Tickets go on sale December 31, 2009. Prices are as follows: 

• Adults: $8.75 Children: $7.25 
• For groups of 10 or more, Adults: $7.25 Children: $6:50
• For groups of 50 or more, the museum will arrange a special screening at either 9:30 am or 6:30 pm. One week of notice is required for special screenings.
• Special prices and free transportation are available for Title I schools.

To make reservations or buy tickets, call: (202) 633-IMAX (4629) or go to: http://www.si.edu/imax/