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CINE Golden Eagle
Award Hot air ballooning originated in the 18th century in France, and it is only fitting that this award-winning classic program begins by gliding over the villages, pastures and famous chateaus of the French Loire Valley. Then our hot-air journey takes us outside civilization and beyond time to the peaceful and serene magnificence of Monument Valley, Arizona. Here, traveling closely above the monuments of stone, the wonder is not lost and “even the shadow of the balloon, moving silently and slow, seems an intrusion.” Next we soar above Kenya and learn the fierce, powerful truthfulness about Africa - everything is open, nothing is hidden. Watching rhinos, elephants, giraffes and hippopotami in their natural habitats is like no other sight in the world. And in the faces of the Kenyan people, we see the lure of the balloon is universal - it unites us all. Finally, with the world’s most-skilled balloonists, we ascend above the snow-drenched French Alps, reminded again that the magic of a balloon in flight is like standing on a “balcony in the sky.” Produced by Lenra Productions. 08DR/CL IJSCA 30 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. This well-produced program does more
than document a single hot-air ballooning competition; here we are taken to
a captivating setting, learn from the principles first hand, soar with the
balloons over often-dangerous terrain, and view the thrill of participants
and spectators alike." -National Media Review People usually associate winter in the northern Austrian Alps with skiing and winter sports; however, in January once a year since 1979, the tiny and traditional hamlet of Filzmoos, situated south of Salzburg, hosts the International Hot Air Balloon competition, a five-day race through the sharp mountain peaks to compete in what is called, "the world's most treacherous hot-air balloon race." There are two reasons why Filzmoos is a pilgrimage site for this event: one is because of the challenging winds off the surrounding mountains; the second is because the competitors can take off from the middle of the village. This classic program documents one of the first events, offering spectacular cinematography, showing the hot-air balloons riding the winds over the ragged mountain range, including the Dachstein, the area's second highest peak; we learn how essential the ground crew is to the success of the race; also we see village children assisting in packing up a balloon which completed its flight. Overall, we discover why this event draws thousands of people here each year; they come to see these wonderful eco-friendly balloons defy Earth's gravity like birds, reminding all of us of the individualistic spirit of being totally free. Narrated by Hurd Hatfield. Music by Justin Niebank. Produced by Robert E. Gorsich. 08DR IJSCA 25 min. |