Own the Sky

Produced in 2019, the movie Own the Sky is an inspiring documentary that captivates the audience with its brilliant portrayal of a remarkable journey and unwavering determination. Directed by Gregory Read and featured through the lens of producer and documentary filmmaker Cathy Reinking, the film documents the personal journey of David Mayman and unfolds a vivid narrative of human ambition, scientific innovation, and relentless pursuit of a dream.

Starring David Mayman himself in the lead role, the film also includes indispensable insights from Saschi Mayman, David's daughter, and William Suitor, the rocket belt mechanic who once riveted spectators at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics with his jet suit performance. Throughout the film, together with these individuals, we delve deep into the terrifying yet stimulating world of modern aviation.

The central narrative revolves around David Mayman, an Australian businessman, pilot, and inventor, who had always dreamt of flying, not within the confines of a regular airplane but free like a bird in the sky with a jetpack. This film beautifully chronicles his tenacious journey towards achieving exactly that audacious ambition.

Own the Sky captures the sweat and sacrifices for a decade, as Mayman, along with his dedicated team of brilliant engineers and designers, persistently struggles to build one of humanity's oldest dreams - a feasible, personally portable jetpack device. It is the narrative of a relentless pursuit that sometimes borders on obsession, lining the fine line between genius and madness. The film delicately balances the euphoria of success and the despair of failure, painting a realistic picture of pioneering engineering innovation.

One of the pivotal characters, William Suitor, provides an insight into the world of personal jetpacks and underpins Mayman's pursuit with his own experience, knowledge, and expertise in the field. Suitor was part of the Bell Aerosystems team that developed the 'Rocket Belt,' which became a significant prototype for Mayman's invention. As a former jetpack pilot in addition to being a leading authority on the subject, Suitor adds a unique perspective to the narrative, ensuring the film is a deeper exploration into the heritage and history of jetpacks.

Each character in the movie embodies perseverance, and the story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in chasing dreams against all odds, reinforcing how possibilities increase with perseverance. Even in the face of consistent disappointments and the potential danger of the project, Mayman never wavers from his journey's prime objective, and the movie portrays this brilliantly.

Capturing the essence of the struggle and the payoff for years of determination beautifully, we see an in-depth exhibition of personal resilience. The highs and lows are expressed in detail, allowing audiences to feel a part of the process, experiencing every thrill, suspense, and proving that passion, courage, and conviction can overcome the most significant challenges.

Own the Sky is also an exploration of modern aviation, tracing the journey of jetpack evolution and the potential impacts of personal airborne devices on society. It's a story of adventure and innovation, but it also raises important questions around the consequences and implication of such technological advancements.

The cinematography is an integral part of the film's design and composition. Scenic landscapes and breathtaking aerial shots encapsulate the essence of why one might want to fly, creating a sense of longing and wanderlust. The film effectively uses visual effects to augment its storytelling, immersing the audience right into the thick of the action, vicariously experiencing the thrill of human flight, the danger, the fear, and the elation.

As a testimony to the power of human imagination, Own the Sky is a timeless narrative – of dreams and the unfettered human spirit that dares to give them tangible form. The film strikes a poignant chord, showing one man's determined pursuit to bring science fiction to life, whilst encouraging others to dream and transform their dreams into reality.

Not merely a story of a man and his jetpack, Own the Sky is a cinematic tribute to the indomitable spirit of human ambition, a narrative-infused chronicle of the transformation of dreams into reality, a medium where technology and human aspiration meet in a symphony of cinematic storytelling.