Directing Historic Moments with Haley Jackson

Step into the world of epic storytelling and adventure with award-winning filmmaker Haley Jackson as she shares the thrilling tales behind two historic projects.

First, journey through the streets of Los Angeles as Haley recounts the audacious move of the Space Shuttle Endeavour—12 miles, 68 hours, and millions of people watching in awe as their beloved spacecraft made its final trek. Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the logistical challenges, emotional highs, and the unexpected moments that turned this monumental task into a cultural phenomenon.

Next, travel to the wilds of Africa with Wings Over Tanzania, Haley’s ongoing documentary retracing the daring 1930s flying safari of Osa and Martin Johnson. Partnering with Tanzania’s National Park Service, Haley is conducting a 100-year aerial field survey, capturing the majesty of Tanzania’s wildlife and exploring its groundbreaking conservation efforts. With breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and a few unexpected twists—including an evacuation due to COVID-19—this film offers a message of hope for the future of our planet.

From space to the Savannah, Haley’s stories will inspire and captivate, making this talk a must-see for those who crave adventure and the stories that shape history.

Haley Jackson is a filmmaker and explorer who has spent her career pushing the boundaries of storytelling and discovery. An award-winning director, she’s helmed 26 rocket launches, logged countless hours in zero gravity, and worked alongside James Cameron on his deep-sea documentaries. Haley also directed the move of the Endeav  our Space Shuttle from Kennedy Space Center to the California Science Center. Now, she’s working on Wings Over Tanzania, a documentary retracing the historic flights of Osa and Martin Johnson throughout Africa. With collaborations including the X PRIZE Foundation, Sea Launch, and others, Haley’s relentless curiosity has established her as a creative force who dares to ask big questions and tell even bigger stories.

This program was organized by Andrea Donnellan #1246.