Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate “America’s best idea” – our National Parks – and the 30th Anniversary of Oregon Parks Forever, with an exclusive screening of the award-winning documentary, Out There: A National Parks Story. A discussion with the filmmaker will follow.
This visually stunning film is more than just a scenic road trip—it’s a profound exploration of connection, conservation, and the human spirit. From park rangers and conservationists to adventurers and dreamers, experience firsthand how these spaces inspire, heal, and transform lives.
JUNE 5, 6:30-8:30 pm | The Empirical Theater
6:15 pm | Doors Open
6:30 pm| Documentary: Out There: A National Parks Story
7:45 pm | Q&A with Brendan Hall, Director & Cinematographer
TICKETS:
$15 adults, $10 seniors (63+), $8 youth (3-13); OMSI members receive 15% off
ABOUT THE FILM: Out There: A National Parks Story
A young filmmaker sets out on a 10,000-mile exploration of the national parks with his childhood friend during the centennial year of the formation of the National Park Service. Along the way, the two record stories of the people that work in the parks and those that come to enjoy them, as part of the rich tapestry of the history of the park system emerges. They hear profound stories of people from all ages, walks of life, and cultures that come to the parks seeking tranquility, healing, motivation, and connection to the natural world. Between spectacular visuals of the parks and compelling interviews are colorful bits of old maps, posters, and travelogues. This stunning road trip is a tribute to the national parks and their history, and is also a recognition of the people that appreciate them and work to maintain their beauty.
Out There connects audiences to all public lands, which in turn connects people to organizations like Oregon Parks Forever who work to preserve the natural world and enhance and preserve the experience of visiting them.
Duration: 75 minutes
Brendan Hall, Director, Cinematographer and Editor
Brendan Hall is a documentary filmmaker sharing stories in the natural world and beyond. His projects have explored the frontiers of our human spirit, from following a remote medical expedition through the Amazon rainforest to scientists unearthing woolly mammoth bones in Siberia.
Since graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, he has traveled the world directing projects for global non-profits and brands including National Geographic, Google, Adobe and The Nature Conservancy. He has also contributed cinematography to feature-length documentaries including PBS’s Bill Nye: Science Guy and Apple TV’s Red Heaven, and is a member of the Explorer’s Club in New York City.
In his work, Brendan is committed to sharing the wonders of our planet in hopes that we may be inspired to care for it. It’s a spirit he brings to his first feature-length documentary Out There: A National Parks Story.
While Brendan is a director, cinematographer and editor, he is also a night sky photographer, scuba diver and amateur juggler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Empirical Cafe will be open with prepackaged salads, sandwiches and movie snacks. The bar will be open to guests that are 21+. No outside food or drink is allowed.
Click here for OMSI’s overall accessibility information. Below are the specific details for the Empirical Theater.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
Several daytime documentaries and newer evening full-features offer closed captions, audio description, and volume amplification. The CaptiView closed caption units allow guests to see captions for their show by using a cup holder device that they can adjust within their view, and the Fidelio RX audio description units deliver descriptive narration and can also amplify the theater volume and dialogue.
The Showing Today signs updated daily at the front desk and theater entrance indicate which features offer closed captions (CC) and audio description (AD), while volume amplification is available for all theater content including events such as Science Pub and Reel Science.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for theater guests and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
- CaptiView closed caption (CC) viewing devices
- Fidelio RX audio description and volume amplification units
- Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the seats not including arm and back rests:
- Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- Two accessible seating area chairs 39.29″ high, 29.5″ wide, and 29″ deep
- Additional accessible seating area chairs available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- The weight capacity for the accessible seating area chairs are 500lbs, and the additional accessible seating area chairs support between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
- Noise reducing headphones
- Fidget toys
- Sunglasses
- Visual and auditory timer
- 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
- Sanitizing wipes
Please contact OMSI Guest Services at (503) 797-4000 or Info@OMSI.edu with any additional specific questions or needs.
OMSI has a new parking system via the mobile parking app, Parking Kitty, to create an easier and more streamlined experience for our visitors. Parking is $2 + fees for after-hours events. We recommend you download the app prior to your arrival at OMSI. You can also pay via their website at www.parkingkitty.com.