The Space Race

Join the AROSE consortium and the International Space Centre (UWA), Curtin University, Joseph Banks Secondary College and Boola Bardip WA Museum at this very special event, celebrating and interrogating the challenging journey of afronauts in the US space race. How do these challenges compare to the experiences of minorities in Australia in our own space industry? How can we mitigate obstacles and champion our STEM workforce? What can we learn from the experience of others?

We look forward to seeing you at an expert panel session and screening at the Auditorium at the University Club of Western Australia. Tickets are free, but registrations are required.

6.30  Arrive	Assemble at the Auditorium, take seats.
6.40 Panel Session	MC Opening and Panel Session Panel moderated by Professor James Arvanitakis,  Director of the Forrest Research Foundation
7.20 Break	Intermission - refreshments available for purchase at the University Club Cafe
7.30 The Space Race	National Geographic Screening, Auditorium (run time 91 minutes)

A letter from the directors of The Space Race

In the 19th century, Frederick Douglass was the most photographed man in America. Vanity did not play a role in his amassing over 160 photographs and portraits. Douglass understood the power of representation and the need to present himself with a full scope of dignity as an antidote to historical racist ideas about Black people. The original concept of the American astronauts were men who had the ‘right stuff’ to explore space and this opportunity was limited to only White men. They became the face of the idealized American hero.

But that narrative left out many others. And this is the idea behind our film: revisiting the history of space exploration to include the hidden figures and their contributions which had been omitted from the American canon. When we set out to make our film The Space Race we gave agency to our protagonists –a group of pioneering Black NASA astronauts– so they could tell their own story, from an intimate point of view.

The astronauts in the film all came from different parts of the US, had different socio-economic backgrounds and had graduated in different disciplines, but all of them showed one common trait: they all strived for excellence regardless of the obstacles they faced. In astronaut lingo they call this “mission first.”

Murtada Elfadl wrote in Variety “The Space Race tells the story of how these men — “afronauts,” as they call themselves — came together to excavate their history, how they formed a smaller more meaningful community from within the larger organizational structure and how this community manages to support one another.”

When you set out to do the most difficult things, like exploring space, and probing the limits of what humans can do in the field of science, having a diverse crew ensures that you also get a myriad of unique ways to solve problems. Everyone has something
to contribute to the betterment of humankind, and in our opinion, no one represents this notion quite like the astronauts in The Space Race. In making this film and spending time with them we learned the power of legacy and knowing that it’s not about being the first but making certain that many others who look like you will have the opportunity to follow behind.

We look forward to the film continuing to serve as a resource for those looking to better understand our nation’s history, to question what has been left out of the narrative and what happens when the arc of justice and history meet. When you watch the film, we hope you’ll feel empowered to overcome obstacles and be fortified by the accomplishments of these incredible men and women for the journey that lies ahead of you.

All our best,
Directors Lisa Cortés and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza

Accessibility

ACROD Parking is available in the basement carpark, with lift access to both floors of the Auditorium. Accessible seating is provided at the top and bottom levels of the Auditorium. Please note accessible toilets are located at the front of the University Club.