WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Geographic Documentary Films announced today that the exhilarating BASE jumping documentary FLY will have an exclusive limited engagement in 300+ IMAX theatres on Sept. 2 and 3, followed by its television and streaming debut.
The film, which world premiered in March at SXSW and screened at Hot Docs, offers audiences an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the film’s thrilling, gravity-defying adventures on the largest screens possible. Following the IMAX release, FLY will have its broadcast debut on National Geographic Channel on Sept. 24 and will stream the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.
In FLY, directors Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau (“Shaun White: The Last Run,” “Immigration Nation,” the Emmy® Award-winning “Trophy”) immerse viewers into the adrenaline-fueled yet perilous world of BASE jumping. Equally heartfelt and hair-raising, FLY offers truly awesome big-screen viewing, inviting audiences to take the leap into a visceral experience that celebrates living your life and following your dreams through the beauty of human flight. While the risk of injury and death are a part of the life BASE jumpers have chosen, FLY shows the passion for living that guides three couples whose love stories are unique and extraordinary. In getting to know them, audiences are introduced to the tight-knit community of BASE jumpers, athlete adventurers bound by their shared love for each other and the exhilaration of defying gravity.
Hailed as “truly awesome big screen viewing” by POV Magazine and “thrilling and gut-wrenching” by In The Seats, FLY follows three couples entwined in the world of BASE jumping, risking everything for the rush of feeling truly alive: Jimmy Pouchert and Marta Empinotti, pioneering figures affectionately known as the Mom and Pop of BASE jumping; the fearless wingsuit pilot Scotty Bob Morgan and his newfound love, Julia Botelho Morgan; and the resilient duo Amber Forte and Espen Fadnes, whose bond is tested by triumph and tragedy. Through breathtaking aerial footage, vérité scenes and intimate interviews, the film explores the complex balance between passion and sacrifice. A poignant love story that celebrates the spirit of those who dare to defy gravity, capturing the essence of what it truly means to live on the edge.
Directors Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau share their vision: “For the past seven years, we have been documenting the lives of BASE jumpers. Our films, much like our approach, seek to raise questions rather than provide answers. Who are these individuals, and what drives them to risk their lives for a passion knowing it could possibly kill them? Standing on the edge of a cliff and leaping into the void requires a willingness to sacrifice everything—be it the love of your life or the life you love.”
“IMAX is excited to partner with National Graphic to bring the breathtaking world of BASE jumping to life in the most awe-inspiring, immersive way possible,” said John Turner, head of Documentaries for IMAX. “FLY offers a unique lens into the world of these daring athletes and takes audiences to the precipice of danger from takeoff to landing. Powered by IMAX, it’ll be a thrilling ride like no other.”
“FLY is an exhilarating and deeply moving film that gives viewers an intimate look at athletes who are pushing the limits of human potential. We are thrilled to bring this edge-of-your-seat experience to audiences on the biggest screens possible and later to viewers all over the world on Disney+,” said Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president of Documentary Films for National Geographic.
Experience an adrenaline joy ride when FLY opens in IMAX theatres, exclusively on Sept. 2 and 3. For a list of theatres and to purchase tickets, please visit www.imax.com/fly.
About National Geographic Documentary Films
National Geographic Documentary Films, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, is committed to bringing the world premium, feature documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers. Its award-winning and critically acclaimed films reach 300 million people worldwide in 180 countries and 33 languages across the global National Geographic channels and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Recent films include Oscar® nominated Bobi Wine: The People’s President, Oscar®- and BAFTA nominated Fire of Love, three-time Emmy-award winner The First Wave, two-time Sundance-award winner The Territory, BAFTA nominees The Rescue and Becoming Cousteau, and Oscar®- and BAFTA winner Free Solo. For more information visit films.nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX systems to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, making IMAX's network among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of June 30, 2024, there were 1,780 IMAX systems (1,705 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 63 institutional) operating in 89 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code “1970”.
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