"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" is a science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 1977. The story follows a group of people who experience mysterious encounters with unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and are drawn to a remote location in Wyoming. The film explores themes of communication and connection between humans and extraterrestrial beings. The title refers to a classification system for UFO sightings, where a "third kind" encounter involves direct contact with alien life forms. The film features iconic imagery, including the use of light and sound to convey the aliens' presence, and has become a significant part of popular culture regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial life.