SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 FILM FESTIVAL LINE-UP
08:00 CST WELCOME (FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
9:15 AM OFFICIAL HONORARY FLYOVER BY TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
08:00 CST WELCOME (FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
Welcome
- Aviation Films in Theater
- Kids - Pickup your passport and collect stickers and autographs
- Filmmaker Discussions
- Tour Airplanes on the runway
- Captain Beth Powell Book Signing
- Drone Demo by RSB Technologies
- Food Trucks for Lunch
- Visit Aviation organizations in the Great Hall
WELCOME FROM GIGI COLEMAM
9:15 AM OFFICIAL HONORARY FLYOVER BY TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
08:00 CST WELCOME (FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
Gigi Coleman is the great niece of the legendary African-American Aviator Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female pilot.
9:00 AM GREAT HALL AT BULT FIELD
9:15 AM OFFICIAL HONORARY FLYOVER BY TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
9:15 AM OFFICIAL HONORARY FLYOVER BY TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
Visit Aviation Organizations in Great Hall:
Bessie Coleman Film Festival
Tuskegee Airmen
Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce
Tuskegee NEXT
Gigi Coleman Aviation All-Stars
Chicago 99’s
Captain Beth Powell, Queen B Production
Aerostar Avion Institute
STEM Education compliments of AeroStar Avion Institute
SheFlies
Casey Grant The Fly Girl and
Chicago Area Pilots Association
9:15 AM OFFICIAL HONORARY FLYOVER BY TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
9:15 AM OFFICIAL HONORARY FLYOVER BY TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
9:15 AM OFFICIAL HONORARY FLYOVER BY TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
Tuskegee Airmen Official Bessie Coleman Honor Flyover BY Ken Rapier, Tuskegee DODO Chapter, Chicago
9:30 AM MY PLAYGROUND - AIR BALLET
AIR BALLET is a poetic short documentary that explores where true freedom lives. After decades flying some of the world’s most advanced commercial aircraft, a veteran pilot finds his greatest joy in the simplicity of a small open-cockpit biplane. Through quiet observation and graceful flight, the film contrasts modern aviation with flying
AIR BALLET is a poetic short documentary that explores where true freedom lives. After decades flying some of the world’s most advanced commercial aircraft, a veteran pilot finds his greatest joy in the simplicity of a small open-cockpit biplane. Through quiet observation and graceful flight, the film contrasts modern aviation with flying for the pure love of it revealing the sky as a personal playground and flight as a wordless dance.
Director Biography - Jorge Arana
At an early age, Jorge Arana developed an interest in filmmaking which was forever burned into his creative DNA and made him always wonder "How do they do it?".
That ignited his interest in filmmaking and production and made him work his way up the ladder. His career started in Mexico, then moved to the USA to explore new opportunities in the English speaking market. His career as a producer sums over 20 years of experience in live TV, integrated productions, and content creation. His creative mind and love of cinematography naturally led him to become a director.
Director Statement
My Playground began as a personal experiment, an excuse to make films with friends, free from expectations, timelines, or outcomes. I wanted to document the places where the people I care about feel most alive, and to do so with patience, curiosity, and respect for their craft.
AIR BALLET grew out of that intention. On paper, this is a film about aviation, but at its heart it’s about contrast: scale versus simplicity, technology versus touch, mastery versus joy. Watching Greg fly massive commercial aircraft around the world, then return home to a small open-cockpit biplane, revealed something universal to me that fulfillment isn’t always found in progress or complexity, but often in returning to what first made us fall in love.
I approached this film as a quiet observer. Rather than interviews or explanations, I let movement, sound, and environment lead the storytelling. The biplane’s choreography in the sky became its own language, an air ballet where emotion is felt rather than explained.
This project was made slowly, often as a one-person crew, across different formats and moments in time. That pace allowed the film to breathe and reflect the experience it captures. AIR BALLET is an invitation to look up, to slow down, and to remember the simple joy of doing something purely for the love of it.
9:30 AM IN FORMATION
Directed by Christopher Hoerdemann
Chicago Public Schools JROTC students get exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the Chicago Air & Water Show! Watch as they meet the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels, interact with pilots and crew, and experience firsthand what it takes to put on their legendary aerial demonstration. Don't miss this inspirin
Directed by Christopher Hoerdemann
Chicago Public Schools JROTC students get exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the Chicago Air & Water Show! Watch as they meet the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels, interact with pilots and crew, and experience firsthand what it takes to put on their legendary aerial demonstration. Don't miss this inspiring chance to experience the thrill of military aviation through their eyes.
9:30 AM FLIGHT MEDLEY: FIRST FLIGHT, FLYING HOBOS & LADY LIBERTY
9:30 AM FLIGHT MEDLEY: FIRST FLIGHT, FLYING HOBOS & LADY LIBERTY
James Castle is an award-winning director with extensive experience across television and film. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to more than 400 primetime and daytime series, TV movies, miniseries, and theatrical productions, earning five National Primetime and Daytime Emmy Awards. His work has included collaborations w
James Castle is an award-winning director with extensive experience across television and film. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to more than 400 primetime and daytime series, TV movies, miniseries, and theatrical productions, earning five National Primetime and Daytime Emmy Awards. His work has included collaborations with major networks such as PBS, National Geographic, and Discovery, as well as feature films. He studied directing with Blake Edwards at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and began his career at Walt Disney Studios.
For this production, James Castle served as director.
The films presented were produced by Louisa Jaggar—an award-winning author of Sprouting Wings—and Pat Smith, who also acted as lead researcher among many other roles. Their work is grounded in the mission of Greatest Stories Never Told: telling the stories of underrepresented STEM heroes and bringing these histories to life through story-driven experiences.
Each project is built on extensive research, drawing from historical archives, firsthand accounts, and collaboration with scholars, family members, and subject-matter experts to ensure both accuracy and authenticity. Among the stories highlighted is that of James Herman Banning, the first African American to fly across the United States—an achievement that remains largely unknown despite its significance.
The featured works include The Flying Hobos and The First Time I Saw an Aeroplane, written by Layon Gray, and Lady Liberty, written by Louisa Jaggar and Kathy Erskine.
Design and showrunning for the productions were led by Louisa Jaggar and Pat Smith.
9:30 AM FLIGHT SIMULATION BY AEROSTAR AVION INSTITUTE
9:30 AM FLIGHT MEDLEY: FIRST FLIGHT, FLYING HOBOS & LADY LIBERTY
The AeroStar journey began in 2008 with the vision and leadership of founder Tammera L. Holmes, who launched AeroStar Consulting Corporation as a pioneering force to deliver aviation consulting services and programming to underrepresented communities. From the outset, Tammera’s goal was clear: to enhance, promote, and support the academic
The AeroStar journey began in 2008 with the vision and leadership of founder Tammera L. Holmes, who launched AeroStar Consulting Corporation as a pioneering force to deliver aviation consulting services and programming to underrepresented communities. From the outset, Tammera’s goal was clear: to enhance, promote, and support the academic awareness of aviation and aeronautical career paths for students, particularly female, minority, underprivileged, and at-risk youth.
AeroStar’s impact was rooted in the development of aviation academic curricula, immersive programs, engaging activities, and comprehensive support services for students in grades K–12 with interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Through Tammera’s vision and relentless drive, AeroStar paved the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future in aviation.
Recognizing the growing need for a long-term talent pipeline and scalable impact, Dr. Holmes alongside Kristy Farrakhan and Kim McCommon, formalized their shared commitment by founding The AeroStar Avion Institute. Together, this core team developed the organization’s business model, foundational strategies, and mission to institutionalize and expand the work that had begun under AeroStar Consulting.
Today, under the leadership of Co-Founder and CEO Kristy Farrakhan, The Avion Institute continues to build on the foundation laid by Dr. Tammera L. Holmes. Along with fellow Co-Founder and Board member, Kim McCommon, Kristy remains steadfast in advancing the Institute’s mission to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals and STEM leaders through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and inclusive outreach.
As we look toward the future, we honor our origins while embracing new opportunities to expose, elevate, educate, and empower youth through the transformative power of aviation.
10:00 AM DISCOVERING BESSIE COLEMAN
10:00 am RBS DRONE TECHNOLOGIES DEMO
Directed by Beth Powell
Discovering Bessie Coleman is an inspiring documentary that celebrates the impact of Bessie Coleman’s legacy through the eyes of those she continues to inspire. Rather than a biographical account, the film shares personal stories from Coleman’s family, aviation professionals, and celebrities like author and actress
Directed by Beth Powell
Discovering Bessie Coleman is an inspiring documentary that celebrates the impact of Bessie Coleman’s legacy through the eyes of those she continues to inspire. Rather than a biographical account, the film shares personal stories from Coleman’s family, aviation professionals, and celebrities like author and actress Karyn Parsons, recounting how they first learned about Coleman’s groundbreaking achievements as the first African-American and Native American woman to earn an international pilot’s license. Despite her accomplishments, Coleman’s story remains unfamiliar to many. This documentary highlights the transformative power of her journey, showcasing how her determination to overcome barriers continues to motivate and empower new generations in aviation and beyond.
Director Biography - Beth Powell
Captain Beth Powell is an entrepreneur with a passion for philanthropy. As a captain for one of the world’s largest airlines, she made history in 2022 by leading its first all-Black female flight crew. She is the author of a biography on Bessie Coleman and the producer and director of Discovering Bessie Coleman, a documentary celebrating the groundbreaking aviator. Through her company, Queen B Production LLC, Beth empowers voices by sharing impactful stories that inspire and uplift. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Safety.
Director Statement
When I was first approached to bring Bessie's story to life, I was struck by the gravity of the opportunity. Bessie Coleman’s journey, as the first African-American and Native-American woman to earn an international pilot’s license in 1921, is a powerful testament to perseverance and ambition. Despite her monumental achievements, her story remains underrepresented, and I knew this was a chance to help change that.
Discovering Bessie Coleman is more than a documentary—it’s a celebration of an extraordinary life and the ripple effects of her legacy. By weaving personal stories from her family, aviation professionals, and influential voices like Karyn Parsons, we explore how Bessie Coleman’s determination to break through racial and gender barriers continues to inspire across generations. This film is about connection and impact, showing how one person’s courage can ignite the dreams of many.
The accompanying biography, Queen of the Skies, offered a different way to connect with Coleman’s story. Working closely with her great-niece, Gigi Coleman, I was able to uncover and share details that paint a full picture of her challenges and triumphs. This book is a tribute to Bessie’s strength and a resource for readers to understand the magnitude of her achievements.
Through these projects, my goal is to honor Bessie Coleman’s legacy while inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and aim higher. Her story is a reminder that barriers are meant to be broken and that the pursuit of one’s passion can leave a lasting impact on the world.
— Captain Beth Powell
Director, Discovering Bessie Coleman
Author, Queen of the Skies
10:00 am RBS DRONE TECHNOLOGIES DEMO
10:00 am RBS DRONE TECHNOLOGIES DEMO
RBS Drone Technologies is a 100% African American Owned Business. Our founders and instructors are commercial pilots, US Military Veterans, former law enforcement officers and legacy members and leaders of the Chicago “DODO” Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The RBS Team
Ken Rapier CEO
Captain Kenneth Rapier, CEO
Captain Rapier is a FAA Certifi
RBS Drone Technologies is a 100% African American Owned Business. Our founders and instructors are commercial pilots, US Military Veterans, former law enforcement officers and legacy members and leaders of the Chicago “DODO” Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The RBS Team
Ken Rapier CEO
Captain Kenneth Rapier, CEO
Captain Rapier is a FAA Certified Flight Instructor and co-founder of RBS Drone Technologies, Inc.
He is a licensed glider, single-engine, multi-engine and instrument airplanes instructor.
Rapier is an Airline Transport-rated pilot. He has logged over 5,000 flight hours. DC-9 airplane type-rated.
Rapier holds the world speed record from Palm Springs, CA to West Chicago IL (French Federation Aeronautique Internationale).
Ken is the current President of the Tuskegee Airman – Chicago “DODO” Chapter and a lead volunteer for the chapter’s monthly EAA Young Eagles flight rallies, which offer free airplane rides to youth ages 8 to 17 to expose them to the world of aviation.
10:30 WE ARE HERE COMMANDER OF THE SKIES
Directed by
Torrance C Hill
More than just a defensive force for the Washington Commanders, Jonathan Jones is a licensed pilot who finds solace in the skies, using his unique journey and passion for aviation to honor the legacy of black airmen, uplift his community, and inspire the next generation, all while navigating the demanding life of a professional athlete.
11:00 AM QUEEN OF THE SKIES BOOK SIGNING CAPTAIN BETH POWELL
Before our beloved aviators, like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to receive her pilot’s license.
Queen of the Skies is an intimate portrait of Bessie Coleman, told in collaboration with the family from their perspective.
From her humble upbringing picking cotton
Before our beloved aviators, like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to receive her pilot’s license.
Queen of the Skies is an intimate portrait of Bessie Coleman, told in collaboration with the family from their perspective.
From her humble upbringing picking cotton in Waxahachie, Texas at the turn of the century, Bessie never gave up on her aviation dreams, despite all the odds against her.
She made her way to Chicago and learned French, and then moved overseas to France to learn how to fly as she faced many obstacles in the US.
Her story is an inspiring tale of hope, inspiration and determination of a woman whose very existence in aviation defied the injustice and racism of the time.
Bessie continues to inspire aviators today. Here is the story of her deepest desires, the people she loved, the determination behind each milestone, and how she succeeded in changing aviation forever with her indominable spirit.
12 NOON BEYOND THE POWDER: THE LEGACY OF THE FIRST WOMEN'S AIR RACE
12 NOON BEYOND THE POWDER: THE LEGACY OF THE FIRST WOMEN'S AIR RACE
"Beyond the Powder: The Legacy of the First Women’s Cross-Country Air Race" is a compelling documentary film, weaving together past and present, following the 2014 Air Race Classic competitors as they race across the country while uncovering the extraordinary story of the original 1929 Women’s Air Derby—better known as the Powder Puff Der
"Beyond the Powder: The Legacy of the First Women’s Cross-Country Air Race" is a compelling documentary film, weaving together past and present, following the 2014 Air Race Classic competitors as they race across the country while uncovering the extraordinary story of the original 1929 Women’s Air Derby—better known as the Powder Puff Derby.
In 1929, a group of daring women pilots took off from Santa Monica, bound for Cleveland, launching the National Air Races and capturing the nation’s attention. Flying at the dawn of aviation, these pioneers challenged a male-dominated sport, confronting sabotage and the immense dangers of early flight—all while proving they belonged in the cockpit.
Today, the Powder Puff Derby lives on as the Air Race Classic. Annually flown, modern female racers honor the legacy of those early trailblazers, embodying the same adventurous, rebellious spirit that first defied expectations nearly a century ago. "Beyond the Powder" reveals how these women—then and now—pushed past stereotypes, soared beyond appearances, and redefined what it means to compete, endure, and fly.
Director Biography - Kara Martinelli
Kara is an award-winning Director and Producer of multiple documentaries, museum films, web videos, and commercials. Kara has a love for storytelling and a passion for tales of strong women in history. She excels at highlighting the beauty of people's passions and getting the audience to feel that emotion, making them care about the subject.
Kara has received Emmy nominations for Directing, Writing, and Research and has won Emmy awards for Writing, Best Documentary, and Technical Achievement, along with multiple film festival awards. She produced the Emmy Award-winning documentaries "The Restorers" and "Space Chase USA" for PBS. Her feature-length script, "The Aviatrix", was selected as a finalist in the Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival. She is also a member of the Alliance of Women Directors.
Kara's film "Witness to Revolution" won an Emmy for Historical Documentary, now available on PBS and Amazon Prime.
Kara started her career in New York City, working as a Producer creating spots for Food Network, USA, and Touchstone Energy.
Ratings
12 NOON CREAM CITY DRONE FILM
12 NOON BEYOND THE POWDER: THE LEGACY OF THE FIRST WOMEN'S AIR RACE
Directed by
Dusan Harminc
"Cream City" is a moody vibes experimental short that explores the multiverse concept by applying mirror and symmetry effects on aerial footage of the Milwaukee skyline.
The project was shot over a period of six years and features music by the David Roy Collective
Director Biography - Dusan Harminc
Born and raised in
Directed by
Dusan Harminc
"Cream City" is a moody vibes experimental short that explores the multiverse concept by applying mirror and symmetry effects on aerial footage of the Milwaukee skyline.
The project was shot over a period of six years and features music by the David Roy Collective
Director Biography - Dusan Harminc
Born and raised in Serbia, Dusan Harminc is a Milwaukee based Bachelor of Fine Art with interests in Cinematography and Storytelling.
He co-owns and operates a mom and pop production shop called Stumptown Media.
12 NOON FOOD TRUCKS ON RAMP
1:00 PM DISCOVERING BESSIE COLEMAN
Directed by Beth Powell
Discovering Bessie Coleman is an inspiring documentary that celebrates the impact of Bessie Coleman’s legacy through the eyes of those she continues to inspire. Rather than a biographical account, the film shares personal stories from Coleman’s family, aviation professionals, and celebrities like author and actress
Directed by Beth Powell
Discovering Bessie Coleman is an inspiring documentary that celebrates the impact of Bessie Coleman’s legacy through the eyes of those she continues to inspire. Rather than a biographical account, the film shares personal stories from Coleman’s family, aviation professionals, and celebrities like author and actress Karyn Parsons, recounting how they first learned about Coleman’s groundbreaking achievements as the first African-American and Native American woman to earn an international pilot’s license. Despite her accomplishments, Coleman’s story remains unfamiliar to many. This documentary highlights the transformative power of her journey, showcasing how her determination to overcome barriers continues to motivate and empower new generations in aviation and beyond.
Director Biography - Beth Powell
Captain Beth Powell is an entrepreneur with a passion for philanthropy. As a captain for one of the world’s largest airlines, she made history in 2022 by leading its first all-Black female flight crew. She is the author of a biography on Bessie Coleman and the producer and director of Discovering Bessie Coleman, a documentary celebrating the groundbreaking aviator. Through her company, Queen B Production LLC, Beth empowers voices by sharing impactful stories that inspire and uplift. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Safety.
Director Statement
When I was first approached to bring Bessie's story to life, I was struck by the gravity of the opportunity. Bessie Coleman’s journey, as the first African-American and Native-American woman to earn an international pilot’s license in 1921, is a powerful testament to perseverance and ambition. Despite her monumental achievements, her story remains underrepresented, and I knew this was a chance to help change that.
Discovering Bessie Coleman is more than a documentary—it’s a celebration of an extraordinary life and the ripple effects of her legacy. By weaving personal stories from her family, aviation professionals, and influential voices like Karyn Parsons, we explore how Bessie Coleman’s determination to break through racial and gender barriers continues to inspire across generations. This film is about connection and impact, showing how one person’s courage can ignite the dreams of many.
The accompanying biography, Queen of the Skies, offered a different way to connect with Coleman’s story. Working closely with her great-niece, Gigi Coleman, I was able to uncover and share details that paint a full picture of her challenges and triumphs. This book is a tribute to Bessie’s strength and a resource for readers to understand the magnitude of her achievements.
Through these projects, my goal is to honor Bessie Coleman’s legacy while inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and aim higher. Her story is a reminder that barriers are meant to be broken and that the pursuit of one’s passion can leave a lasting impact on the world.
— Captain Beth Powell
Director, Discovering Bessie Coleman
Author, Queen of the Skies
2:00 PM THE FLIGHT OF JACKIE COCHRAN
Directed by
Jessica Anderson
The Flight of Jackie Cochran tells the story of the most famous pilot you’ve never heard of—a woman who shattered aviation records, broke the sound barrier, and helped change the course of history, only to be largely forgotten by it.
Jackie Cochran was a pioneering force in American aviation, a contemporary and r
Directed by
Jessica Anderson
The Flight of Jackie Cochran tells the story of the most famous pilot you’ve never heard of—a woman who shattered aviation records, broke the sound barrier, and helped change the course of history, only to be largely forgotten by it.
Jackie Cochran was a pioneering force in American aviation, a contemporary and rival of Amelia Earhart, and the architect behind the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. But behind her public achievements was a private life carefully constructed to conceal a hidden past. This documentary uncovers a long-buried secret from Jackie’s childhood—one she worked tirelessly to keep out of the press and history books. Drawing on newly discovered archival materials and personal correspondence, the film reframes Jackie’s legacy through the lens of the very thing she tried to keep hidden: where she came from, and how fiercely she fought to rise above it.
Interwoven throughout the documentary are scenes from the stage play The Flight of Jackie Cochran, written by and starring Nancy Hasty. These dramatic reenactments bring Jackie’s voice to life, offering intimate insight into her inner world—drawn from archival material uncovered by Hasty during her research. These performances bridge past and present, adding emotional resonance and urgency to Jackie’s story.
The film delves into Jackie’s wartime leadership, her staggering speed, distance, and altitude records, and her complex legacy as a woman who didn’t just break barriers—she bulldozed them. And yet, for all her triumphs, Jackie Cochran remains a footnote in the public imagination.
The Flight of Jackie Cochran is more than a biography. It’s a reckoning with how history chooses its heroes, and a haunting meditation on ambition, erasure, and the cost of greatness. In the end, it asks: why don’t we know her name—and what does that say about the stories we choose to remember?
Director Biography - Jessica Anderson
Raised in the heart of Los Angeles, the director of Flight of Jackie Cochran was immersed in the world of storytelling from a young age. In 2013, she relocated to Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast, where the natural beauty and tight-knit creative community helped her discover a deep passion for filmmaking.
She began her journey creating educational docu-series for the 30A Company, sharpening her skills in storytelling and production. With a drive to tell compelling, character-driven stories, she founded her own production company, That Girl Media.
Flight of Jackie Cochran marks her debut feature documentary, a powerful tribute to a pioneering woman in aviation. With plans to take the film to festivals across the country, she’s excited to share Jackie’s story with the world.
She extends heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, and, most importantly, her husband Logan and son Cameron, whose love and support make it all possible.
Director Statement
When I first set out to make The Flight of Jackie Cochran, I thought I was telling the story of a record-breaking pilot, a woman who held more aviation records than anyone in history. But what I found was something far more powerful: a story of invention, reinvention, and resilience.
Jackie Cochran came from almost nothing. For years, her early life was shrouded in myth by stories she told, stories others repeated, but few verified. In this documentary, we peel back the layers of those myths to uncover the reality: a childhood marked by poverty, loss, and self-reliance. She wasn’t born with privilege or pedigree. She built herself from the ground up, changing her name, her narrative, and ultimately, the very sky she flew through.
What astonished me most was how fiercely she navigated a world that had no blueprint for women like her. At a time when women were just beginning to push into aviation, Jackie didn’t just join the field—she dominated it. And yet, despite her unmatched achievements, she remains largely unknown outside aviation circles. Why?
This film doesn’t just recount her victories; it interrogates her ambition, her contradictions, and the cost of choosing legacy over likability. Through newly uncovered archives, interviews with historians, and people who knew her, we reveal the untold depths of Jackie’s origin story and her unrelenting fight to matter in a world that wasn’t built for her.
The Flight of Jackie Cochran is a documentary about a woman who flew faster than the speed of sound—and who lived a life that defied gravity in every sense of the word. Her story is one of grit, audacity, and flight—not just through air, but through adversity.
— Jessica Anderson
Director, The Flight of Jackie Cochran: A Documentary
3:00 PM MY PLAYGROUND
AIR BALLET is a poetic short documentary that explores where true freedom lives. After decades flying some of the world’s most advanced commercial aircraft, a veteran pilot finds his greatest joy in the simplicity of a small open-cockpit biplane. Through quiet observation and graceful flight, the film contrasts modern aviation with flying
AIR BALLET is a poetic short documentary that explores where true freedom lives. After decades flying some of the world’s most advanced commercial aircraft, a veteran pilot finds his greatest joy in the simplicity of a small open-cockpit biplane. Through quiet observation and graceful flight, the film contrasts modern aviation with flying for the pure love of it revealing the sky as a personal playground and flight as a wordless dance.
Director Biography - Jorge Arana
At an early age, Jorge Arana developed an interest in filmmaking which was forever burned into his creative DNA and made him always wonder "How do they do it?".
That ignited his interest in filmmaking and production and made him work his way up the ladder. His career started in Mexico, then moved to the USA to explore new opportunities in the English speaking market. His career as a producer sums over 20 years of experience in live TV, integrated productions, and content creation. His creative mind and love of cinematography naturally led him to become a director.
Director Statement
My Playground began as a personal experiment, an excuse to make films with friends, free from expectations, timelines, or outcomes. I wanted to document the places where the people I care about feel most alive, and to do so with patience, curiosity, and respect for their craft.
AIR BALLET grew out of that intention. On paper, this is a film about aviation, but at its heart it’s about contrast: scale versus simplicity, technology versus touch, mastery versus joy. Watching Greg fly massive commercial aircraft around the world, then return home to a small open-cockpit biplane, revealed something universal to me that fulfillment isn’t always found in progress or complexity, but often in returning to what first made us fall in love.
I approached this film as a quiet observer. Rather than interviews or explanations, I let movement, sound, and environment lead the storytelling. The biplane’s choreography in the sky became its own language, an air ballet where emotion is felt rather than explained.
This project was made slowly, often as a one-person crew, across different formats and moments in time. That pace allowed the film to breathe and reflect the experience it captures. AIR BALLET is an invitation to look up, to slow down, and to remember the simple joy of doing something purely for the love of it.
3:00 PM RISE ABOVE: WASP FILM
Directed by Kara White
Rise Above: WASP is a powerful documentary that uncovers the remarkable, little-known history of the WWII veterans known as the WASP—Women Airforce Service Pilots.
As World War II raged on, America faced a critical shortage of pilots. In response, the U.S. Army Air Corps turned to an untapped and underestimated resour
Directed by Kara White
Rise Above: WASP is a powerful documentary that uncovers the remarkable, little-known history of the WWII veterans known as the WASP—Women Airforce Service Pilots.
As World War II raged on, America faced a critical shortage of pilots. In response, the U.S. Army Air Corps turned to an untapped and underestimated resource: women. Thousands of skilled female pilots answered the call, competing fiercely for just 2,500 coveted positions. Those selected became the first women to fly aircraft for the United States Armed Forces.
Though barred from combat, these fearless trailblazers shattered expectations, pushed past prejudice, and proved their capabilities in the skies—driven by patriotism, courage, and an unyielding passion to fly.
Through cinematic reenactments, rare archival footage, and intimate interviews with the actual WASP veterans, Rise Above: WASP transports viewers back to a pivotal moment in history. The film illuminates the hardships these women endured and celebrates the legacy they forged—leaving audiences informed, moved, and inspired by their extraordinary achievements.
Director Biography - Kara White
Kara made her directorial debut with the documentary "Beyond the Powder" for PBS, about the first women’s cross-country air race and those that continue to fly the race today. It continues to air nationally on PBS. Her most recent film is "Rise Above: WASP", produced for the Commemorative Air Force as part of a traveling educational exhibit. Also in 2019 she produced the Emmy winning "Space Chase USA" for WUCF about the Space Coast and the Apollo program now airing nationally on PBS. She has also produced the Emmy Award winning aviation documentary series titled "The Restorers", a documentary web series for the Texas Flying Legends narrated by Mike Rowe, and the film "Rise Above: Tuskegee Airmen" for the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s traveling educational exhibit. Kara also is a co-host and producer of Warbird Radio’s Air Raid Radio, a show about women in aviation; her show was part of the 2016 Edward R. Murrow Award for overall excellence.
4:00 PM AWARD CEREMONY
Award Ceremony
Audience Choice Award
Best Aviation Feature Film Award
Best Aviation Short Film Award
Best Drone Film Award
The Bessie Coleman Legacy Filmmaker Award
Thank you to our Volunteers
Thank you to our Volunteers
Thank you to our Volunteers
Host:
Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce
Bult Field
Vertiport Chicago
Film Judges:
Webster Polk
Jered Everson
Beth Powell
Susan Roe Musacchio
Festival Volunteers:
LT Stacy L. Henderson-Shaw, US Navy (Retired)
Bloom Township High School
Chicago 99's
Pilot Maddie
Tuskegee Airmen
A Celebration of Bessie Coleman
Join us in person for an inspiring story of courage, perseverance and wonder. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Chicago Southland
Welcome to Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival!
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Through the Lens: A Queen Bess Centennial Aviation Film Festival Media Coverage
BULT FIELD (C56)
