Fly Like a Girl

Fly Like a Girl is an inspiring documentary film released in 2019 that features women who dare to break barriers in fields traditionally dominated by males. Presented by Indie Atlantic Films and directed by Katie McEntire Wiatt, the film showcases phenomenal women who broke the glass ceiling and who use flight and space as a means to inspire young girls to pursue their own dreams of exploring the skies and beyond.

The film is powered by a star-studded lineup of women pioneers in aviation and aerospace, including the retired NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, the aspiring astronaut Abby Harrison, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth who is an Iraq War Veteran and former U.S Army helicopter pilot. This genre-defying film features women from various backgrounds and of all ages, originating diverse and encompassing conversations regarding females in aviation and aerospace.

Nicole Stott's exceptional journey of living and working in space is highlighted in this documentary. Her time as a NASA astronaut left an indelible impact that she continues to share through her endeavors. She excelled in a realm that is often overwhelmingly male, and her story serves to inspire legions of young aspiring astronauts and aviators.

Abby Harrison, also known as Astronaut Abby, is shown in the film pursuing her dream of becoming the first astronaut to Mars. Her infectious enthusiasm and determination showcase the drive and unwavering pursuit of dreams that is needed in an industry that requires unwavering commitment and endurance.

Senator Tammy Duckworth shares her journey from a military helicopter pilot in Iraq to the hallways of Capitol Hill. Having battled physical disabilities due to an accident at war, she illustrates a powerful narrative of resilience and triumph, a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Fly Like a Girl is inspirational and heartfelt. It doesn't just narrate stories; instead, it stirs a conversation about girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), a discourse that is crucial more so now than ever. Each biography presented in the film forms a piece of the grand mosaic that represents women's ceaseless journey of overcoming gender boundaries. The focus given to the individual journey of each woman to overcome their personal hurdles is heart-touching, revealing the strength and determination each possessed.

The film is impeccably scored, and its visuals are strikingly beautiful. The women's narratives are eloquently captured with genuine emotion, allowing viewers to truly appreciate their outstanding courage and unwavering determination. The film does a fantastic job of personalizing the experience of each woman, ensuring the viewers can resonate with them as individuals, not merely as figures in history.

Aside from the biographies, the cinematography is also commendable. It creates a vivid, visually appealing environment that complements the story perfectly. The ambitious aerial shots, the vastness of space, and the enclosed feeling of rocket cabins are all encapsulated stunningly.

The emphasis on STEM fields is embedded deeply in the heart of Fly Like a Girl, and the film drives home the importance of encouraging more girls and women to pursue these areas. As the film delves into the crucial elements of representation and visibility, it marvellously portrays that gender should never be a hindrance in one's pursuit of passion and dreams.

Fly Like a Girl is not just another film. It is a platform that resonates through every woman who broke ties with social norms who aspired and achieved feats in male-dominated fields. The empowerment that echoes throughout the film stems from these strong and brave women who dared to go against the flow. The film certainly leaves the audience feeling uplifted with a sense of optimism for what lies ahead for women in aviation and aerospace – a world where both little boys and little girls can truly reach for the stars.

Ultimately, Fly Like a Girl is a celebration of womanhood and a depiction of courage and ambition that cuts through gender barriers. It is a testament to the unwavering strength of women, their untiring perseverance, and their capability to reach for the stars, both figuratively and literally.