January 28, 2011 Marks 25th Anniversary of Space Shuttle Challenger Tragedy: Filmmakers Offer Exclusive Clips and Interviews to Media
January 28, 2011 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy, in which Christa McAuliffe and six other crew members were killed. The events leading up to that day, as told by NASA officials and the family, friends and students of McAuliffe, are documented in the powerful 75-minute film, “Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars.” For the anniversary, filmmakers Renee Sotile and Mary Jo Godges are offering this dramatic coverage to news outlets, as well as interviews with McAuliffe’s family and others. Narrated by actress Susan Sarandon with original music by Carly Simon (whose music McAuliffe carried aboard the shuttle), the film documents the life and tragic death of America’s first Teacher in Space.
West Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) January 13, 2011
It was 25 years ago, on January 28, 1986, that the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded after liftoff, killing Christa McAuliffe along with six other crew members.
The events leading up to that day, as told by NASA officials and the family, friends and students of McAuliffe, are documented in the powerful 75-minute film, "Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars," (http://www. TEACHER1986.com).
Directed by Renee Sotile and Mary Jo Godges, and narrated by actress Susan Sarandon with original music by Carly Simon (whose music McAuliffe carried aboard the shuttle), the film documents the life and tragic death of America’s first Teacher in Space.
There is riveting footage of Christa and the Challenger crew in training for the fateful flight, as well as exclusive photos, home movies and interviews that can only be seen in this film. In addition, it contains some timely tidbits, such as a gay student of McAuliffe’s who describes how she wouldn't tolerate “bullying” in her class, even when other teachers looked away.
For the anniversary, the filmmakers are offering this dramatic and emotional coverage to news and broadcast outlets. The film can be cut to fit in any format and/or shown in clips. The filmmakers can also secure interviews with McAuliffe’s family and others.
“I miss my daughter very much and I’m comforted to know she lives on in this wonderful film,” says Grace Corrigan, Christa’s mother. “And now, more people will get the chance to see it," she adds, upon hearing that 10,000 copies of the DVD are being donated to GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) for distribution to students and educators around the country. Additionally, 1,000 copies have been donated to the Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center in Christa’s hometown of Framingham, MA.
“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, it's only appropriate that we honor the legacy of Christa McAuliffe with the gift of this film to those who would otherwise not have experienced her teachings,” says Pepi Kelman, donor and co-founder of DOCCLUB LA, a documentary film group in Los Angeles. “I hope that others will join me in this endeavor to reach even more schools.”
Selected testimonials: “A compelling and honest account of Challenger 51L’s ‘Teacher in Space’ mission…an inspiring tribute to a true American Hero.” Buzz Aldrin
“A riveting and unusually moving story, told from the inside." Ken Burns
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