The Balloonists, a true story of friendship, passion, and adventure in a historic world flight. The film had its global unveiling at TIFF last year.
Tracks the unlikely duo of Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and British flying instructor Brian Jones as they raced against elite pilots and wealthy adventurers in 1999 to become the first people to circumnavigate the world nonstop in a hot air balloon.
Filmmaker John Dower uses rare archival footage and interviews to bring the life journey. Viewers get a close look at what makes ballooning both thrilling and unpredictable.
The documentary is produced by Teddy Leifer and Guy Horlock, with co-production handled by Anonymous Content and Red Bull Studios, while the main production company behind Oscar-winning Icarus maker Rise Films.
John Dower’s (Lockerbie) documentary The Balloonists, about the first two men to fly around the world in a balloon, has been taken with Dogwoof acquiring UK and Irish rights. The deal was put together by Harbottle with Nick Shumaker of Anonymous and Sebastian Burkhardt for Red Bull Studios.
“The Balloonists offers a hugely fun and enjoyable ride with its tale of adventure, passion, and ultimately friendship,” said Dogwoof Chief Content Officer Oli Harbottle. “With its quirky cast of characters, John Dower has delivered a true crowd-pleaser, and we’re looking forward to bringing the film to UK audiences this spring.”