- Welcome to Independent Lens.
I'm Pete Schwaba, host of PBS Wisconsin's Director's Cut.
NASA is preparing to send astronauts to Mars
within the next 10 years.
The physical challenge of traveling that far into space
is hard to comprehend,
but the mental challenge for the astronauts
who would endure a three-year absence from their loved ones,
is equally, if not more challenging.
Viewers will learn about both in tonight's film
Space: The Longest Goodbye.
During the trip to Mars and back,
crew members will leave their families behind
and not be able to communicate with them in real time
because of the distance.
Scientists predict the isolation and extreme disconnection
the astronauts will feel
without contact from loved ones or even Mission Control,
all while floating through space toward the unknown,
will take a toll that could endanger the entire mission.
The film follows NASA psychologist Dr. Al Holland
and astronauts Kayla Barton, Matthias Maurer, and Cady Coleman.
The trio of astronauts tries to find a happy medium
between their adventurous spirits
and the time away from home and loved ones
that they will never get back.
Space: The Longest Goodbye
is directed by award-winning Ido Mizrahy,
who has helmed narrative films, as well as documentaries.
He says he made this film
for everyone who has ever felt isolated or felt torn
between the need to forge a new path in life
that takes them away from home
while dealing with the pull of loved ones and roots.
He also says he's fascinated
with why humans are trying to leave Earth,
asking the question
"Are we running away from something?"
We'll find out what his conclusions are
in this fascinating documentary that explores the unknown,
not just that of space
but how people risk their lives and mental health
in the exploration of it.
Space: The Longest Goodbye starts now on PBS Wisconsin,
your home for independent film.