Nestled in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo is home to one of the darkest and clearest night skies on Earth. This documentary explores the intersection of nature, science and cultural heritage within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The film follows locals, astronomers and guides as they collaborate to protect the night sky from increasing light pollution. Through landscapes, interviews, and views of the cosmos, the film reflects on the fragile balance between tourism and environmental preservation, suggesting that darkness itself is a natural treasure. Through stunning landscapes, insightful interviews, and breathtaking views of the cosmos, the film reveals a renewed connection between humanity and the universe.

Director: Radomír Štefka

Hailing from Valašské Meziříčí, Radomír Štefka (1999) has successfully completed his multimedia creation studies at Silesian University in Opava. He now works at the Brno Planetarium, contributing to the creation of audiovisual content aimed at popularising science. This includes productions for fulldome environments and other immersive formats. His work combines documentary filmmaking with his strong interest in nature and the night sky, frequently exploring themes related to astronomy and landscapes. He has filmed in diverse locations such as the Himalayas and New Zealand, where he produced his latest documentary “Lake Tekapo: Guardians of the Night” was produced. He is experienced both behind the camera and in post-production, often working independently or within small creative teams. Outside of work, he enjoys sports, travel and exploring new environments and perspectives.