UTICA — The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Made in Utica are teaming up to honor the late, pioneering cinematographer Douglas Trumbull with a free, outdoor movie series featuring three of the award-winning moviemaker’s science fiction films.

Sci-Fi Wednesdays will take place in the John S. Dyson Energy Zone’s rear parking lot on Wednesdays in August beginning at 8 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs, but a limited number of chairs will be on hand for those who need them.

Restrooms will be available in the Energy Zone, and popcorn will be served.

The movie schedule is as follows:

• Aug. 17: “2001: A Space Odyssey”

• Aug. 24: “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”

• Aug. 31: “Star Trek: The Motion Picture”

In case of rain, the movie will be shown the following evening.

Trumbull’s career took off after he created special effects for Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking film, “2001: A Space Odyssey” in 1968. Trumbull is the cinematographer and director of the 3-D MAGI short movie “Imagination!” about how Nikola Tesla changed the world with AC (alternating current) electricity, which is part of the Energy Zone’s featured exhibits and was produced expressly for the Power Authority. Trumbull died in February shortly before his 80th birthday.

The Energy Zone, which first opened in May 2021, is an admission-free, interactive, state-of-the-art museum focused on the world of electricity, past, present, and future, and New York State’s leadership in energy innovation. It is designed for visitors of all ages and features unique exhibits that simulate flying a drone to inspect power transmission lines, controlling electricity on a model energy grid, operating a simulated power plant, and building a table-top micro power grid, along with many other activities designed to teach visitors about energy and electricity in New York State.

The Energy Zone is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it will remain open for tours until 8 p.m. during the Sci-Fi Wednesday film series.

The 15,000-square-foot facility is located on Utica Zoo Way, adjacent to the Utica Zoo. Group tours are encouraged to call 315-792-8720 or email EnergyZone@nypa.gov to reserve a tour. Walk-ins are welcome.