If you’re out at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this week, stop by the EAA Museum’s Skyscape Theater for a premiere screening of the PBS documentary “Beyond the Powder: The Legacy of the First Women’s Cross-Country Air Race.” The one-hour film will be shown Wednesday July 22 at 4 p.m. and again on Saturday July 25.
“Beyond the Powder” highlights the adventurous women who fly the cross-country race known as the Air Race Classic, while going back in time to tell the story of the 1929 Women’s Air Derby, also known as the Powder Puff Derby. Today these women pilots continue the tradition and legacy that was set before them while inspiring others to enjoy the exciting sport.
Back in 1929, the first Women’s Air Derby was flown from Santa Monica, California, to the finish line in Cleveland. It was a contest that sparked the beginning of women’s air racing in the United States. The 2014 race, which the film focuses on, started in Concord, California, and ended in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania — a route spanning approximately 2,400 statute miles.
The documentary is produced by Hemlock Films and Western Reserve PBS, and directed and written by Kara Martinelli, who also produced the Emmy Award winning “The Restorers – They Were All Volunteers.” “Law and Order:SVU” and NBC’s “Aquarius” actress Michaela McManus narrates the film.
Check out the film trailer below or visit beyondthepowder.com for more about the film.
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