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IMAX to launch first 3D animated holiday feature
LOS ANGELES: Opening worldwide at IMAX theaters on 1 November Santa Vs. The Snowman 3D is the first-ever IMAX 3D animated holiday film. From the Academy Award nominated team behind Nickelodeons Jimmy Neutron, Santa vs. the Snowman 3D is the hilarious brainchild of Steve Oedekerk (co-creator and producer of Jimmy Neutron, writer of The Nutty Professor).
Santa vs. the Snowman 3D is unlike any of the traditional 3D films of yesterday. It combines the unique properties of 3D and digital computer animation with The IMAX Experience. The result is 3D images projected onto screens up to eight stories tall and 120 feet wide and enhanced by the 12,000 watts of uncompressed digital sound. Distinct from any of the animated films of today, Santa vs. the Snowman 3D was re-framed and animated with CG technology in 3D, captivating the viewer and making them feel as though they are reaching into the screen. 3D glasses are essential to the experience, resulting in a truly revolutionary, immersive adventure that transports kids of all ages from the theater to Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole.
Directed by John A. Davis with animation provided by DNA Productions and Omation the film features the celebrity voices of Jonathan Winters, Ben Stein and Victoria Jackson. Turning tradition on its head, it tells the story of a lonely Snowman who at first is swept away by the magical wonders of Santa’s Village, only to ultimately wage war on Santa because he is jealous of all the attention that Santa gets during Christmas time. What ensues is a polar feud of hilarious proportions, where ultimately friendship reigns supreme and audiences are rewarded with a heart-melting holiday film.
As of June there were more than 225 IMAX theatres operating in 30 countries. More than 700 million people have seen an IMAX presentation since the medium premiered in 1970.
Founded in 1967, IMAX Corporation is one of the world’s leading entertainment technology companies. IMAX has developed revolutionary technology called IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) that makes it possible for virtually any 35 mm film to be transformed into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience. Recently a special screening of Ron Howard’s Apollo 13 was held in the US.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
