The Academy Museum hosts special presentations of the Dykstraflex: a computerized camera control system used to film the original Star Wars trilogy.

For a limited time, visitors can see the behind-the-scenes innovations that brought thrilling motion to a galaxy far, far away in the original Star Wars trilogy. Groundbreaking special effects company Industrial Light & Magic developed new technologies for the space epic, including the Dykstraflex computerized motion control system. The Dykstraflex’s precisely-controlled shots of single miniature models are the backbone of the trilogy’s memorable, heart-pumping space battles, and the system forever changed the way movies are made.

This special presentation of the Dykstraflex used to film Star Wars is accompanied by an original interview (2022) with its lead inventor, John Dykstra, and a montage celebrating Star Wars’ landmark special effects artistry.

Live demonstrations of the Dykstraflex take place inside the Spielberg Family Gallery on Saturday June 15 and June 29, with 1-hour sessions starting at 12:30pm and 2:30pm.

The Star Wars Dykstraflex is on view at the Museum May 4 - July 8, 2024.