ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — One of the most celebrated stories in ballooning history is coming to Albuquerque’s big screen just as the world’s largest ballooning event gets underway.
The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum will host the U.S. premiere of The Balloonists on October 3, coinciding with opening day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The documentary tells the story of Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and British pilot Brian Jones, who captured worldwide attention in 1999 when they became the first people to complete a nonstop balloon flight around the world.
Much of the footage featured in the film was recorded by Piccard and Jones during the historic journey, giving viewers a firsthand look at the challenges and triumphs of the record-setting mission.
The Albuquerque premiere is particularly fitting because the Balloon Museum is already home to a replica of the Breitling Orbiter capsule used during the successful flight. The capsule is displayed in the museum’s Grand Hall and remains one of the museum’s signature exhibits.
Following the October 3 premiere, The Balloonists will be shown daily at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the museum’s theater throughout Balloon Fiesta and for roughly a month afterward. The only exception will be October 5, when no screenings are scheduled.
The film arrives as Albuquerque prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the 54th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, an event that celebrates both the history and future of ballooning.
Museum officials say admission to the film screenings is included with regular museum admission.
