Sally
Description
For astronaut Sally Ride, stepping into the space shuttle Challenger for her first flight in 1983 was, to paraphrase Neil Armstrong, one small step for woman, one giant leap for womankind. Becoming the first American woman in space fulfilled not just Ride’s personal ambition but also symbolized limitless possibilities for girls and women. This intimate, exhilarating documentary offers an evocative portrait of this extraordinary trailblazer. Her professional life was a triumph, even if she was beset by silly questions from a condescending media and resentment from male peers who did not believe women “earned” their shot at space flight. Her personal life was more complicated as she remained closeted even in the midst of a 27-year-long relationship with partner Tam O’Shaughnessy. With the voice of Ride (who died in 2012), archival footage, reenactments, and reminiscences from O’Shaughnessy and Ride’s family and NASA associates, this involving film honors the brilliance and humanity of an American hero. —Pam Grady
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
WITH SUPPORT FROM
When Cristina Costantini was a little girl in Milwaukee, WI, her contribution to a school mural depicting heroes was a representation of astronaut Sally Ride. Costantini grew up to make Sally, winner of the Sundance Film Festival’s Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize. After beginning her career as an investigative journalist, she made her documentary feature debut with Science Fair (2018), winner of audience awards as Sundance and SXSW. Her other features include Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (2020) and Own the Room (2021).
Film Details
LanguageEnglish
Year2025
Runtime99
CountryUSA
DirectorCristina Costantini
ProducerLauren Cioffi, Dan Cogan, Jon Bardi
Executive ProducerLiz Garbus, Kate Berry, Mala Chapple, Tom Maroney, Tam O’Shaughnessy, Carolyn Bernstein, Ruth Ann Harnisch
EditorKate Hacket, Andy McAllister
CinematographerMichael Latham
Print SourceNational Geographic
Closed CaptionsClosed Captions are not currently confirmed for this film
Audio DescriptionAudio Descriptions are not currently confirmed for this film
American Sign Language (ASL) InterpretationAmerican Sign Language Interpretation is not currently scheduled for this film
