March 10, 2020
Tony Wang’s very first patrons recline in their seats beneath the domed indoor theatre while brilliant shades of emerald and turquois aurora fill the 360-degree screen surrounding them. It’s the territory’s first and only indoor dome theatre, and Wang hopes to welcome locals and visitors alike through his doors.
His business – Northern Sky Films – celebrated a soft launch last month. He anticipates that he’ll officially open his doors later this March.
Wang is still building his film collection but currently three 30-minute films are available for viewing.
Bella Gaia portrays how human and nature are connected as well as art and science. Cosmos Odyssey delves into the world of astronomy and the evolution of human understanding from ancient times to advanced science. And finally, Aurora: Lights of Wonder (sure to be a hit) includes footage of auroras from the international space station and locations in the NWT while providing educational insights.
“I explored the commercial environment for investing in Yellowknife, and I decided to invest in a tourism project because there are lots of opportunities for tourism in Yellowknife. It is the best place to hunt aurora. There were few indoor activities for tourists, so I chose to build the 360 dome theater,” Wang explains. He has since reached out to local tour operators to discuss package options for visitors.
(Representatives from ITI's Film Commission and Business and Immigration unit meet with Tony Wang)
It was Yellowknife’s relaxed lifestyle, pace and multiculturalism that convinced Wang to make the move to the NWT and open a business. He was taken with the city from the start. Wang travelled from his home in Beijing to visit the capital city twice during his application process for the NWT’s Immigration Nominee Program – Business Stream.
While he was enchanted by many northern experiences he had never before encountered - the aurora, frozen Great Slave Lake, the wintry scenery – it was the welcoming people and small town lifestyle that truly captivated him.
“After several months in Yellowknife, I understood completely: though Yellowknife is a small town, there is a big part of population from other parts of the world: Africa, Europe, Asia and South America. I wonder if there is a small town in the world that is as multicultural as Yellowknife,” says Wang.
The Nominee Program Business Stream is designed for individuals wanting to immigrate to the NWT and start, purchase, or invest in a business. Learn more about the NWT Nominee Program