The first woman to lead a U.S. mission into space has now commanded the attention of a documentary crew.
"Spacewoman," from director Hannah Berryman, will tell the life story of former U.S. Air Force pilot and NASA astronaut Eileen Collins, who in 1999 launched as the commander of the space shuttle.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4651 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 02-06-2024 10:23 AM
Congratulations to all concerned for making this happen. Looking forward to it already.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 55410 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-10-2024 12:39 PM
From Jonathan Ward:
"Spacewoman," the documentary about the remarkable life of astronaut and mother Eileen Collins, will have its world premiere at DOC NYC in November! Please join Eileen and the production team for this joyous event if you will be in the New York City area the weekend of November 16!
There are three screenings scheduled. Tickets are now on sale:
Saturday, November 16, 2024 7:00 PM IFC Center
Monday, November 18, 2024 12:15 PM Village East by Angelika
The first and second screenings will be followed by a Q&A with film subject Col. Eileen Collins and director Hannah Berryman.
Sunday, November 17 through Dec. 1, 2024 Online Screening
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 55410 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
The dictionary defines "spacewoman" as simply "a woman astronaut." In the case of its latest usage, though, the term carries more meaning.
"Spacewoman," a new feature-length documentary from Haviland Digital and Tigerlily Productions, tells the story of Eileen Collins, the United States' first female astronaut to pilot and command a space shuttle mission. The title seems obvious given its subject, but it was not something that Collins, herself, ever considered.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 55410 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-26-2025 10:53 AM
"Spacewoman" will make its European premiere at CPH DOX (Copenhagen International Documentary Festival) in Denmark.
March 22, 5:00 p.m. Big Bio Nordhavn with Q&A with director Hannah Berryman
8:00 p.m. Kinorama Aabenraa, Salon 1
March 24, 7:00 p.m. Valby Kino, Salon 1
March 27, 5:30 p.m. National Museum of Denmark With: Debate: "Women in Space"
Meet researcher, space engineer and founder of SpaceTech, Sheila Christiansen, in conversation with podcast host and astrophysicist, Tina Ibsen ('Rumsnak') about women, space travel and the journey into the unknown.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 55410 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-10-2025 02:37 PM
A trailer for the documentary:
astro-nut Member
Posts: 1081 From: Washington, IL Registered: Jan 2006
posted 03-29-2025 01:02 PM
Will this documentary eventually be available on DVD or Blu-ray?
FFrench Member
Posts: 3315 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 07-06-2025 01:19 PM
I'm really looking forward to hearing about where it might be streamable.
Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3893 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 07-07-2025 12:27 PM
Embrace physical media, Francis! Aspire to own your own personal copy of this film, to hold in your hand and to keep forever.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3315 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 07-07-2025 03:26 PM
As those days have mostly gone, no, I am being realistic and looking to stream it... thanks.
Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3893 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 07-07-2025 04:11 PM
Those days have most certainly not gone (although you may believe in self-fulfilling prophecy). I am watching Hollywood movies and space documentaries played through a 4K player on a 4K TV screen, and I have never seen them in such exquisite quality, certainly much better than the digitally-compressed versions on streaming.
I use streaming too, but when I want the best quality I reach for my physical media.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3315 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 07-07-2025 04:38 PM
Oh, I just want to see it. And while I love owning physical copies, I am realistic that most things are no longer released that way... such is the world... that was all.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 55410 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-08-2025 11:56 AM
From the filmmakers:
SPACEWOMAN hits the UK big screen from 21st October with a very special guest. Each screening will be followed by an in-person Q&A with astronaut Eileen Collins and director Hannah Berryman.
21st October UK Premiere, Greenwich Picture House
22nd October Arts Picturehouse Cambridge
23rd October Brighton Dukes at Komedia
25th October Hackney Picturehouse
26th October The Ritzy Brixton
More details have been added to Sightings and Space History Events calendars.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4651 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 09-08-2025 03:09 PM
It would be good to see the film on tv at some point. The matter then of a physical copy is something that could be addressed..... all be it with adverts.
Blackarrow Member
Posts: 3893 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 09-08-2025 04:05 PM
With your trusty Bluray recorder you can edit out those pesky adverts, Rick!
spaceman Member
Posts: 1198 From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK Registered: Dec 2002
posted 10-26-2025 06:14 AM
Went to the Hackney Picture House last night, a long drive particularly getting there but well worth it. A great shared experience.
Spacewoman is a down-to-earth and moving documentary about Eileen Collins, the first woman to fly and later command a NASA Space Shuttle. You don't need to be a space expert to enjoy it — it tells her story in a way that's heartfelt, and easy to connect with.
The film blends old videos (the quality of the shuttle videos was not that great, a job for Andy Saunders), interviews, and personal moments to show how Eileen worked her way into a job that had always been done by men. You see her training, her spaceflights, and the huge responsibility she took on after the Columbia tragedy, when she helped lead NASA's return to space.
But this isn't just a film about rockets—it's about bravery, calm under pressure, and what it takes to lead when the whole world is watching.
Whether you're into space or just like true stories about people breaking barriers, Spacewoman is well worth your time. It's inspiring, honest, and a great reminder of how far determination can take you coupled with personal family tragedy and personal family dynamics.
After the screening, Eileen Collins stepped onto the stage for a Q&A session, joined by director Hannah Berryman. My apologies as I did not get the name of the interviewer. Producer Keith Haviland was present on the side lines.
The atmosphere was warm, with the audience visibly moved by the film's portrayal of courage and quiet strength. Some great questions were posed with open and positive answers from Eileen and Hannah.
Seated in the front row was Pat Youngs, Eileen's husband, whose presence in the documentary was deeply felt. Throughout the film, Pat emerged as a steady, supportive force, an essential anchor in Eileen's journey to the stars. It was a great role reversal, his unwavering support (with his own career put on hold) allowed her to soar, reminding us that behind every trailblazer is someone holding the line back home with the kids.
Eileen and Pat hung out in the bar area afterwards waiting for their transport and both answered questions posed during the time they had. An added bonus for those assembled.
posted 02-06-2024 05:30 AM
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