Rated PG-13 | 141 minutes | 2015 | Adventure, Sci-Fi, Drama
Science + Cinema Presents – Science Matters: Surviving on Science
Join us for a screening of The Martian, the critically acclaimed sci-fi adventure starring Matt Damon as astronaut Mark Watney. A blend of sharp humor with high-stakes problem solving, the film follows Watney as he uses science, engineering, and a lot of creativity to survive alone on Mars.
Before the film, host Alonzo Alexander (The Science House) will explore the real science behind Watney’s survival, from growing food in extreme environments and generating clean water, to managing energy, materials, and medical challenges with limited resources. We’ll look at how the research used in space exploration has shaped everyday technologies here on Earth, and how solving extreme problems often leads to practical solutions that improve daily life.
Funny, tense, and surprisingly grounded in real science, The Martian is a perfect example of why science matters—not just in space, but in the world we live in every day.
Event starts promptly at showtime. This event is part of the 2026 NC Science Festival.