This wonderful film highlights spunky, gutsy, brave women, whose go-for-it attitudes made aviation history.
— Patty Wagstaff, National Aerobatic Champion
BREAKING THROUGH THE CLOUDS: The First Women’s National Air Derby is an award-winning documentary that showcases ACTUAL FOOTAGE of the 1929 air race, some that had not been seen since the race itself.
As a character driven documentary, the women's personalities shine, from the cigar smoking, sailor swearing antics of Pancho Barnes, to the wildly celebrated Amelia Earhart and the glamorous, all American girl, Ruth Elder. Interviews with family members of the pilots and people who knew the racers bring a personal connection, adding an enormous emotional edge to the story. Aviation historians provide a framework of the monumental tasks these twenty ambassadors of aviation overcame, and modern day pilots including National Aerobatic Champion, PATTY WAGSTAFF, put into perspective the enormity of the women's accomplishments. AERIAL RECREATIONS with brightly colored planes similar to what the women flew in the derby help put the viewer in the pilot’s seat. Expertly researched, beautifully shot, and filled with carefully restored footage of the derby, some of which has not been seen in over 80 years, Breaking Through The Clouds will leave you inspired.
THE BREAKING THROUGH THE CLOUDS DVD IS $25 (Plus Shipping & handling in the U.S.). Please note that by clicking the button below, you will be redirected to the paypal website. Your receipt will show a purchase from Archetypal Images, LLC.
Due to the significant increase in postage mailing items outside of the United States, please email Heather@BreakingThroughTheClouds.com for an estimate before ordering.
PREFER TO ORDER A DVD BY CHECK? No Problem (if you are in the United States). Please email Heather@BreakingThroughTheClouds.com or call 865-242-7551 for address, shipping information, and quantity. Be sure to specify the name and address where the DVD is to be mailed.
The Producer's Cut/Extended DVD has more than 2 HOURS of material including 20 MINUTES OF BONUS MATERIAL featuring:
BREECHES TO BALLGOWNS: What the Women Wore
TECHNICAL INFORMATION about the PLANES FLOWN in the Derby & The Navigational Challenges
ADDITIONAL STORIES of events that happened in the race & Obstacles the Women Overcame
SPONOSRING THE RACE: The National Exchange Club's Role
LEGENDARY PILOT ELINOR SMITH SULLIVAN, a peer of the women in the derby, gave her last on camera interview. She tells her infamous story of FLYING UNDER 4 EAST NYC BRIDGES.
There are numerous ways to see Breaking Through the Clouds:
Purchase Extended Version/Producer's cut of the DVD directly from the producer on this page. Customized signings and dedications are available.
Watch On Demand via Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/breakingthroughtheclouds
Purchase Extended Version of DVD at Amazon.com (No signings or dedications available).
Watch and/or request on PBS Stations Across America
License the film for a private Screening (contact Heather@BreakingThroughTheClouds.com), Libraries, or Schools.
Wholesale prices are available for retailers
BTTC IS AVAILABLE ON-LINE THROUGH VIMEO’s VIDEO ON DEMAND:
Breaking Through the Clouds: The First Women’s National Air Derby is available through Video On Demand via Vimeo. This is the same version at the one that airs on PBS (The DVD is the only version with additional footage and interviews). https://vimeo.com/ondemand/breakingthroughtheclouds?
For those who prefer the DVD, it is still for sale through this website .
Thank you for your support. Dr. Heather Taylor, Independent Producer/Director of BTTC.
