An opening day attraction at The Land Pavilion, Symbiosis premiered on October 1, 1982 in the Harvest Theater, a second-floor venue designed for large-format environmental films. Directed by Paul Gerber and narrated by Philip L. Clarke, the film was a 70mm documentary projected on a massive 23-by-60-foot screen with a 13-track digital sound system—a technical marvel for its time.
The film explored the delicate balance between technological advancement and environmental preservation, showcasing both the damage caused by human activity and the innovations aimed at healing the planet. From rice terraces in the Philippines to modern research labs, Symbiosis emphasized the interconnectedness of all life and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
- Highlighted the web of life and knowledge, with poetic narration and sweeping visuals
- Addressed global environmental challenges like deforestation, pollution, and overpopulation
- Celebrated scientific progress in agriculture, conservation, and energy
- Served as a quiet but powerful reminder of EPCOT’s original mission: education through inspiration
On January 1, 1995, Symbiosis closed to make way for Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable, a new film featuring characters from The Lion King. While the new show reused some footage from Symbiosis, it added animated segments and a more family-friendly tone.
Despite its closure, Symbiosis remains a cult favorite among EPCOT purists and has been screened at film festivals specializing in 70mm format, including events in Germany and at the National Media Museum
