A look back at an incredible challenge that combines human adventure and historic exploit. In 1909, Louis Blériot made the first flight across the English Channel, propelling aviation into the modern era. 110 years on, a team of enthusiasts attempt a mad-cap gamble, to fly a replica Blériot XI.
Practical Effects
They actually built and flew this terrifying bamboo kite
Cinematography
Channel crossing footage will steal your breath
Direction
Balances archival poetry with modern-day sweat and terror
Director
Vincent Amouroux
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The original 1909 flight took 37 minutes; Blériot had no compass and followed a French destroyer below.
The Blériot XI replica build took three years—longer than the Wright brothers' entire powered flight program.
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