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Helios - documentary film

Helios is about Czech mathematician Miloslav Druckmüller whose photographs of the solar eclipses provided the scientific community with new discoveries which catalyzed a renewed interest in the study of the solar corona. Support making of the doc film!

  • Solar Eclipse Oregon 2017 - white light

  • SDO NAFE 1

  • SDO NAFE 1

  • The Team 2017

  • Prof. Miloslav Druckmüller Mongolia 2008

  • Fridge Magnet Pin "Design 1"

  • Fridge Magnet Pin "Design 2"

  • Pin Badge "Design 1"

  • Pin Badge "Design 2"

  • Postcards

EUR 17,164
pledged of EUR 14,964

114%

114% completed

287 contributors pledged

Film, Education

All or nothing. Project finished on Jun 29, 2019 at 09:36.

Show all rewards

How it all began

Miloslav Druckmüller is a university professor (VUT Brno), mathematician, astronomer, lover of mountains, and collector of cactuses. His passion for photography, along with his enthusiasm for solving mathematical problems, led him to the issue of photographing a solar eclipse. The question was: How can a photographic image realistically capture what we see with the human eye during an eclipse? After several years of work, he managed to solve this problem, and produce the very first extraordinarily detailed photographic image of the solar corona during an eclipse. This photograph surpassed all previous attempts, and provided science with a completely new view of the Sun.

Profesor Miloslav Druckmüller

When we first saw the photographs of the solar corona and video from the SDO space probe, processed by Professor Druckmüller, we were immediately fascinated. The images have incredible power. They captivate and intrigue you, whether you are interested in astronomy and physics, or not. Quite apart from their scientific value, they show the extraordinary beauty and appeal of the Sun, which remain largely hidden from us. The images give you the natural desire to find out what you are actually looking at. You can't help but be amazed, want to ask questions, find out…

What's our aim?

Our aim, through our documentary film, is to introduce the general public to the inspirational enthusiasm of Prof. Miloslav Druckmüller, who has fundamentally contributed to renewal of international scientific interest in observation of total solar eclipses as a means of studying the solar corona. We also want to show how Czech science is working at a worldwide level, and that we can be really proud of our scientists. We would be really pleased if our documentary could be shown in schools.

Details

The documentary film Helios gives us a chance to find out about the extraordinary personal quest of Prof. Druckmüller for photographs of the solar corona, which have astonished the scientific community and captivated the public. His detailed images show structure and activity, within the corona, of which scientists had no idea. The photographs have been published in the prestigious science magazines Nature and Astronomical Journal.

None of this would probably ever have happened, if it had not been for the international theft of one of his images. The subsequent detective story, during which he had to prove his authorship, brought Prof. Druckmüller together with renowned solar physicist Prof. Shadia Habbal from Hawaii University. Another funny story brought him into cooperation with the NASA space agency, who initially suspected him of being a hacker.

We were given exclusive permission to film during the scientific expedition to study the solar eclipse in Oregon, USA in 2017. Besides the scientists, we were also able to capture the atmosphere of a million visitors, who had come from all around the world to witness this thrilling natural spectacle.

Why is it important to study the Sun?

The Sun is a phenomenon that has fascinated and provoked human thought since time immemorial. Its power projects not only into legend and art, but also into thousands of stories of people who are inspired with the desire to learn about the world. Most forms of energy that we use (electricity, fuel, food) represent a transformation of the Sun´s energy. Phenomena taking place in the solar corona have a fundamental influence on everyday life on Earth. The Sun is not only a giver of life, but also represents a potential threat to a modern society dependent on technology. That's why great attention is given to studying the Sun nowadays.

...and something more...

The documentary also contains unique material from Prof. Druckmüller´s personal archive, which is previously unseen by the public. We give answers to basic questions, such as: What is the solar corona? and What can we actually see in the photographs? We also reveal some of the burning issues relating to the corona, and we take a look at the present situation in scientific solar observation.

Who are we?

We are a group of film-makers who, under the title of production company cine4net, s.r.o., devote our efforts to making documentary films (short and feature-length) focusing on cultural promotion and education. In all our projects we work closely with experts in the given field in order to ensure quality of film content. We take pleasure in finding attractive ways to present a theme. We have already completed, for example, an internet series on monuments, PamátkyDnes, a feature-length documentary about architect Jano Koehler, and videos for exhibitions at the National Museum. Our projects have won prizes three times, being awarded the Olomouc Region prize for contribution to the field of film, television and theatre. We have also won the main prize in the MusaionFilm international museum film festival.

Why are we doing this?

We believe that popularising science, technology and history is something that has profound purpose. Due to its nature, our documentary film is a financially demanding project to complete. The first part, filmed in America, was made possible due to the kind financial support of Mr. Karel Janeček and the Neuron Fund. The rest of the money came “out of our own pocket,” simply because we believe in the project. We have also had financial support from VUT University in Brno, where we gained the patronage of the Deacon.

At present, we are working on/in co-production, which should bring the film to the widest possible audience here in the Czech Republic. We presented the project at the camp4science within the AFO festival. The film has attracted the interest of an international distributor. Despite all this, we still lack a part of the necessary funding, and so we decided to try to obtain this through HitHit.

We intend to use the money to complete filming in Slovakia, Germany and France, followed by sound and image post-production.

1st milestone – 380 000 Kč / 14 743 EUR

This sum will enable us to complete filming in the Czech Republic (illustrational shots) and in Slovakia (the observatory on Lomnický Štít and its coronagraph).

2nd milestone – 600 000 Kč / 23 000 EUR

Filming in France and Germany – we will go with Prof. Druckmüller to the private observatory of Peter Aniol, one of the main characters in the film. We will also visit him at his company, where he produces the finest quality telescopes for observatories such as Paranal in Chile. We will also have an original soundtrack!

3rd milestone – 800 000 Kč / 30 000 EUR

Now we can finish the sound and image post-production, including animation. We're in the final straight!

Project links

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Choose reward for your contribution

  • sold 20
    The Sun Badge of Generosity

    Recieve the Sun Badge of Generosity by supporting us with a symbolic amount of 3,90 EUR - or more. Your participation in our project will brighten your day no matter the weather!

     

    Reward delivery: not specified

    EUR 3.94
    (CZK 100)

  • remaining 80 from 100
    Pair of Postcards

    Receive a set of 2 postcards showing our two favorite images of the 2017 Solar Eclipse in the USA.

    Send them to your friends and loved ones and put some sunshine in their mailbox! The set contains two different postcards.

    (This reward is not available outside of the Czech Republic.)

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 5.91
    (CZK 150)

  • remaining 176 from 200
    Badge

    Wear your love of the Sun and share it with everyone you meet!

    Design 1
    This flair button shows a section of the Sun's corona shining in white light photographed from the USA in 2017.

    Design 2
    This wearable button shows a section of the Sun's corona with green and red shining ions of iron as photographed from the USA 2017 total solar eclipse.

    See gallery for previews.
    Please add note for „design 1“ or „design 2“.

    (This reward is not available outside of the Czech Republic.)

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 7.88
    (CZK 200)

  • remaining 165 from 200
    Fridge Magnet

    See the Sun in your kitchen.

    Design 1
    This magnet shows a section of the Sun's corona
    shining in white light photographed from the USA in 2017.

    Design 2
    This magnet shows a section of the Sun's corona with green and red shining ions of iron as photographed from the USA 2017 total solar eclipse..

    See gallery for previews.
    Please add note for „design 1“ or „design 2“.

    (This reward is not available outside of the Czech Republic.)

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 8.66
    (CZK 220)

  • remaining 271 from 300
    Exclusive Bonus Video Materials

    Gain access to exclusive bonus materials! We have more interviews with interesting people and the scientists than we could fit into the film. See what more they have to say and visit additional interesting places connected to the 2017 eclipse.

    You will receive a download link.

     

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 11.81
    (CZK 300)

  • remaining 76 from 80
    Family ticket to Planetarium Prague

    Planetarium Prague screens starry sky in all weathers! Visit one of the world's biggest planetarium domes and enjoy spectacular 8K screenings! Buy this family ticket (2 adults, 2 children)!

    (Available only in Prague, Czech Republic. You will receive the tickets by email.)

    Reward delivery: in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 15.75
    (CZK 400)

  • remaining 83 from 100
    Poster with photograph of solar eclipse

    Large format (approx. 84 x 58 cm) poster with image of solar corona during eclipse (29.3.2006, Libya).

    (Published by Brno Observatory and Planetarium)

    See gallery for preview.
    (For mailing outside of the Czech Republic please add 20 EUR)

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 19.69
    (CZK 500)

  • remaining 296 from 300
    Movie Poster A2-sized

    Movie poster

    (For mailing outside of the Czech Republic please add 20 EUR)

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 21.66
    (CZK 550)

  • remaining 90 from 150
    Tickets for 2 for the Grand Premier in Brno + Movie Poster

    Come to the theater to see the film! (Spring 2020)

    Enjoying photos and video of the Sun processed by professor Druckmuller on a big screen is really worth it! The ticket is valid for two people. There will be a discussion with the filmmakers after the screening.

    (You will receive the tickets by email. You will pick up your poster at the screening.)

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 27.56
    (CZK 700)

  • remaining 124 from 150
    Tickets for 2 to the HitHit Sneak Preview in Prague + Movie Poster

    Come see the film in a movie theater! (Spring 2020)

    Enjoying photos and video of the Sun processed by professor Druckmuller on a big screen is really worth it! The ticket is valid for two people. There will be a discussion with the filmmakers after screening.

    (You will receive the tickets by email. You will pick up your poster at the screening.)

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 27.56
    (CZK 700)

  • remaining 147 from 150
    Tickets for 2 to the HitHit Sneak Preview in Olomouc + Movie Poster

    Come see the film in a movie theater! (Spring 2020)

    Enjoying photos and video of the Sun processed by professor Druckmuller on a big screen is really worth it! The ticket is valid for two people. There will be a discussion with the filmmakers after screening.

    (You will receive the tickets by email. You will pick up your poster at the screening.)

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 27.56
    (CZK 700)

  • remaining 1 from 3
    Books Měsíc dalekohledem a Slunce dalekohledem

    Books in czech language about Moon and Sun.
    ​
    (This reward is not available outside of the Czech Republic.)

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 35.44
    (CZK 900)

  • remaining 1 from 5
    AFO 2019 Multi pass

    The international festival Academia Film Olomouc (AFO) is the best in the world! (At least according to us...) A wonderful, friendly atmosphere, lots of interesting guests, and the beautiful city of Olomouc!

    If you're a fan of popular science documentary films, you'll really enjoy the festival with this multi-pass. You get priority entry to the programme, so you won't miss anything! And maybe we'll meet you!

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 39.38
    (CZK 1,000)

  • remaining 97 from 100
    I Want It All Combo Package!

    I Want the Sun all Around (And you will get it!)

    Receive all the sunny goodness in this package!

    2 postcards (2 different motives)
    2 flair buttons (2 different motives)
    2 magnets (2 different motives)
    1 movie poster

    (For mailing outside of the Czech Republic please add 20 EUR)

    Reward delivery: on address, in half a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 45.28
    (CZK 1,150)

  • remaining 2 from 2
    AFO 2019 - AFO Star

    AFO, big style! The international festival Academia Film Olomouc (AFO) is the best in the world! (At least according to us...) A wonderful, friendly atmosphere, lots of interesting guests, and the beautiful city of Olomouc!

    As an AFO Star, besides priority entry to the programme, you will also gain access to all accompanying events + Backstage! Buy now, before it's too late!

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 78.76
    (CZK 2,000)

  • remaining 2 from 20
    High Quality A4 Photo Print

    Photography of the Sun's eclipse in the USA 2017 in the A4 format ready to be framed. Quality print in archival quality used for exhibitions and museum photography. Each photograph is signed by professor Miloslav Druckmüller.

    You can choose a photo of either the corona in white light (Design 1) or the corona shining with iron ion rays (Design 2).

    See gallery for previews.
    Please add note for „design 1“ or „design 2“.

    (For mailing outside of the Czech Republic please add 20 EUR)

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 86.63
    (CZK 2,200)

  • remaining 5 from 10
    Become A Film Partner!

    As partners you will be acknowledged in the film's titles, receive 2 tickets for grand premier in Brno where we will publicly thank you, and you will be invited to meet with the creators of the film at a catered afterparty.

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 590.67
    (CZK 15,000)

  • remaining 5 from 5
    Become A Film Sponsor!

    Your logo will appear in the closing titles of the Czech version of the film, you will receive 2 tickets for the grand premier in Brno where we will thank you publicly, and you will be invited to meet with the creators of the film at the catered afterparty!

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 1,968.89
    (CZK 50,000)

  • Sold out!!
    Book “The Mysterious Eclipse” (in Czech) by Petr Horálek (autographed copy)

    A captivating guide to the most beautiful and rarest of heavenly phenomena – lunar and solar eclipses. Get to know the history of observation, as well as contemporary scientific research. Find out what laws govern the eclipses. Learn how these phenomena have fascinated humans since ancient times, and how the ability to predict eclipses has sometimes been abused.

    The author of the book, Petr Horálek, has included his own travel experiences from expeditions to see eclipses, and incredible photographs which give the reader a sense of the atmosphere of these exceptionally impressive phenomena. The book also gives a summary of all eclipses visible from the Czech Republic until the year 2060, as well as significant events worldwide.

    Petr Horálek has taken part in several expeditions along with Prof. Miloslav Druckmüller

    (This reward is not available outside of the Czech Republic.)

     

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 20.48
    (CZK 520)

  • Sold out!!
    Books Měsíc a Slunce

    Books in czech language about Moon and Sun.

    (This reward is not available outside of the Czech Republic.)

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 35.44
    (CZK 900)

  • Sold out!!
    Books Hvězdy dalekohledem a Sluneční soustava dalekohledem

    Books in czech language about Stars and Solar system.
    ​
    (This reward is not available outside of the Czech Republic.)

    Reward delivery: on address, in a quarter after the Hithit project end

    EUR 35.44
    (CZK 900)

  • Sold out!!
    Lecture with Professor Miloslav Druckmüller

    Enjoy a private lecture and Q&A at your school, work or among friends with professor Druckmüller! Satisfy your curiosity about his work, research of the solar eclipse and expeditions.

    You provide the lecture space and projection equipment. The professor will travel to your venue at our expense.

    (In Moravia or Prague area only.)

    (This reward is not available outside of the Czech Republic.)

    Reward delivery: in a year after the Hithit project end

    EUR 1,378.22
    (CZK 35,000)

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