Rise Above: WASP Film long awaited tour is now beginning nationwide
(June 28, 2021) - The inaugural tour of the new film Rise Above: WASP is now launching, touring the country with exhibition dates and locations nationwide. The first stop is at the Kansas City Airshow, held this weekend (July 3-4, 2021). This new film experience about the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) is designed to educate and inspire. Produced by Hemlock Films, the film is part of the larger Rise Above education initiative created by the Commemorative Air Force.
Rise Above: WASP details the story of the first women to fly for the United States Armed Forces: the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), during WWII. Using never before seen WASP interviews, state of the art graphics, epic aerial sequences and historic reenactments, Rise Above: WASP introduces these historic ladies’ story to the world like never before. Exhibition of the film takes place throughout the country in the Rise Above Traveling Exhibit, creating an exhilarating film experience.
Rise Above: WASP was completed at the end of 2019. Touring of the film has been suspended until now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the past year the film has participated and won awards in several film festivals.
About the WASP The Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, were the first female pilots to fly American Military aircraft. Because society held the view that women did not belong in a cockpit, these women had to overcome many challenges before ultimately proving themselves as more than equal to the task of flying complex, modern, aircraft.
Even though they faced a military un-willing to include them, the perseverance and dedication the WASP possessed allowed them to serve their country in a time of great need, blazing a path for generations of women who would follow them into aircraft cockpits, and male dominated careers everywhere.
Though there would only be 1,074 women who could call themselves WASP, their story provides an inspirational lesson about the power of self-confidence and determination; Teaching us that no matter what our dreams may be, working to make them real, will allow us to ultimately succeed.
About Hemlock Films NE Ohio-based Hemlock Films is a multi-Emmy winning film production company, specializing in aviation history. Rise Above: WASP was created by Hemlock Films director Kara White and producer Adam White. Kara and Adam have produced the national PBS Emmy winning documentaries The Restorers – Season 1 and Space Chase USA. Their last creation for the CAF, Rise Above: Tuskegee Airmen, won the prestigious ICAS 2011 Special Achievement Award.
About the Commemorative Air Force Collecting, restoring and flying historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to honoring American military aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A nonprofit educational association, the CAF has more than 11,000 members and a fleet of over 170 airplanes distributed throughout the country to units located in 24 states for care and operation.
Helpful Links: Rise Above: WASP – Promotional Trailer www.riseabovewasp.org www.hemlockfilms.com
