MOVIE SCREENING - THE LAST MAN ON THE MOON
Thurs. 10th November 2016 7:00pm
The Principality of Monaco will premiere the award-winning documentary film, The Last Man on the Moon (in English) at the Grimaldi Forum on Thursday, November 10, followed by a panel discussion with some of today’s eminent leaders in air and space travel and technology.
Held under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, this initiative of the Embassy of Monaco in Washington, D.C., starts at 7:00pm with a screening – free and open to the public – of the film which is based on a story by Eugene Cernan about his two extraordinary missions to the moon and what he loved and lost in the process.
The screening will be followed by a 30-40 min. panel discussion on the theme of Pioneers and Innovators of Our Time (also in English) on air and space exploration that has changed and inspired the world, emphasizing the importance of clean technology for the future. Panelists will include NASA Chief Scientist Dr. Ellen R. Stofan, CNES & ESA astronaut Jean-François Clervoy, the film’s director and co-producer Mark Craig, executive producers Mark Stewart and Sir Jackie Stewart (champion Formula One driver, sports commentator and three-time winner of the Monaco Grand Prix), and Dr. Ilhami Aygun, president & CEO of Space Systems International. Moderator is Eric Imbert, vice president, business development and sales at Thalès Alenia Space. U.S. astronaut Captain Eugene Cernan is not able to attend but he recorded a special message for the audience.
“I am truly honoured that The Last Man on the Moon is to be screened in such esteemed company in Monaco. It's been a long, memorable journey since the dream of making the film first took hold of me after reading Gene Cernan's book. He was one of the great pioneering space explorers of his time, and I greatly look forward to being part of a panel that includes people who are shaping the course of space travel in the future,” said Mark Craig, who also wrote the screenplay.
“Space exploration and the future of renewable energy technologies are both of the utmost importance for our planet and the survival of humankind. Monaco is proud to be at the forefront of these discussions and to bring together such distinguished leaders and pioneers from different parts of the globe to share in these important topics, and the Monaco premiere of The Last Man on the Moon provides us with the perfect launch pad,” said Her Excellency Maguy Maccario Doyle, the Principality’s Ambassador to the U.S.A. and the event’s convener.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the accomplishments of Gene Cernan and of all the men and women who are pioneers and innovators of our generation,” said NASA Chief Scientist Dr. Ellen Stofan. The Last Man on the Moon reminds us not only of the heroism of space exploration, but of the personal sacrifices made on this journey of discovery. The contributions made by these trailblazers have paved the way for human spaceflight, including NASA’s next journey—to Mars.”
Prior to the film screening from 5:30pm in the Salle Camille Blanc at the Grimaldi Forum, Dr. Stofan will discuss NASA’s journey to Mars, the importance of women in science and share details of her own inspiring career path.
One of the film’s executive producers, Mark Stewart said the film has been a labour of love for all involved in the production. “It was a great privilege to work with such a charismatic and historical figure like Gene Cernan and it is an honour to bring the film to Monaco, a place that is very close to my family’s heart. We hope that Gene Cernan’s story will inspire the audience in Monaco and around the world as much as it has inspired us.”
The organizers acknowledge and thank The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation – USA, Space Systems International, Venturi Automobiles, Monaco Economic Board, and the Lady Monika Bacardi Association for the Arts.
