WAPAKONETA — First on the Moon Inc. will host a triple feature of short films about journeys to space and to Wapakoneta on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m., at Wapakoneta Middle School, West Harrison Street. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for FOTM’s Neil A. Armstrong Scholarship Fund. The triple feature is a kick-off to Wapakoneta’s pre-eclipse weekend activities and events.

The opening film will be the classic George Melies fantasy (14 minutes), “A Trip to the Moon” (1902, known for its remarkable special effects. Inspired by many sources, including Jules Verne’s 1865 novel From the Earth to the Moon, the film follows a group of astronomers who travel to the moon in a cannon-propelled capsule, explore the moon’s surface, escape from an underground group of Selenites (lunar residents), and return to earth with a captive Selenite.

The second feature will be the animated short film, “Wallace and Gromit – A Grand Day Out,” in which a quest to find cheese prompts a visit to the moon. Despite a few hiccups with their homemade rocket, the duo makes a successful lunar landing, arriving just in time for lunch.

This 30-minute film was nominated for an Academy Award in 1991, and boasts a 100% Fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes.

Before the third film, Armstrong Air & Space Museum director Dante Centuori will provide brief remarks about enjoying the eclipse experience.

Finally, First on the Moon will screen the award-winning “One Small Visit,” (30 minutes) the heartwarming true story about an unexpected road trip to the hometown of Neil Armstrong in the fall of 1969. The running time for 2022 film has previously been screened in Cleveland, Washington, D.C., London, Kuwait and Hong Kong, among other locations.

First on the Moon merchandise will also be for sale at the screening, the proceeds from which support the organization’s programming.

“We’re so pleased to be able to offer such a fun, ‘space-y’ night out for area residents and their many eclipse guests! We’re also very grateful to Aardman Animations Limited (Bristol, England) and the ‘One Small Visit’ production team for making these films available to us,” said First on the Moon board member Rachel Barber.