Mission Statement

The overall mission of this film is to uncover the hidden history of women in the space race and bring their struggles, triumphs, and rivalries to light. The Other Space Race is more than a documentary about space exploration. It is about power, gender, and the untold stories of women who refused to be left behind. By telling this story, I hope to inspire conversations about equality, representation, and who gets to make history.

The Filmmaker

I’m Angie White, an independent filmmaker with a passion for uncovering forgotten stories of women who challenged the status quo. My background in film and content creation has always been rooted in amplifying underrepresented voices. I discovered the story of Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb while working on a recreation of the WASP women’s journey for another independent film in 2005. I then revisited the women and their story after visiting the Space Force Museum and seeing the most pathetic display for honoring the Mercury 13 with a selection of random women of NASA taped to a wall and a group yearbook-style photo on an easel. This was next to a large display of the achievements of the “Monkeynauts” & “Astrochimps”. I knew instantly that their contributions to the advancement of Americans in space needed to be told on a larger scale.

The Story

Thirteen women. One goal: to reach the stars.

At the dawn of the space age, America was racing the Soviets to conquer the cosmos. But in the shadows of rockets and red carpets, two women were fighting their own battle. A battle for inclusion, recognition, and the chance to fly among the stars.

The Other Space Race tells the true story of Jackie Cochran and Jerrie Cobb, two aviation legends whose visions clashed on a national stage. Jackie was the most decorated female pilot of her time, highly respected amongst men and women, and wielding power and influence at the highest levels. Jerrie was a gifted young test pilot, determined to prove to anyone and everyone that women could meet the same grueling standards as the Mercury 7 astronauts.

Their rivalry, and the cultural forces that shaped it, illuminate a pivotal chapter of gender politics in American history.

The Characters

• Jackie Cochran — The most decorated female pilot of her time, a record-breaker, businesswoman, and political insider. Jackie wielded enormous influence, but her vision for women in aviation often clashed with younger generations who wanted more.
• Jerrie Cobb — A fearless young test pilot chosen first for the Mercury 13 program. Jerrie endured the same rigorous medical testing as the Mercury 7 astronauts, proving women were just as capable, and she fought passionately to take that next step into space.
• The Mercury 13 — Eleven other extraordinary women who joined Jerrie in pushing the boundaries of possibility:
• Janey Hart — A mother of eight and the wife of a U.S. Senator, balancing family, politics, and the dream of spaceflight.
• The Dietrich Sisters, Marion and Jan — Identical twins and accomplished pilots whose bond symbolized the sisterhood of this pioneering group.
• Wally Funk — A relentless aviator who never gave up on her dream of space, eventually achieving it decades later at age 82 on a commercial flight.
• Myrtle Cagle — A flight instructor and member of the “Flying Cagle Sisters,” showing that aviation talent often ran deep in families.
• Rhea Hurrle Woltman — A Minnesota farm girl turned accomplished pilot, representing women breaking out of traditional roles.
• Gene Nora Jessen — A flight instructor who later toured the country in a Beechcraft Musketeer, spreading the joy of aviation.
• Bernice “B” Steadman — A pilot and businesswoman who helped found an aviation company with her husband.
• Jerri Sloan Truhill — A pilot and flight instructor with a fiery spirit, embodying courage and grit.
• Irene Leverton — A lifelong pilot who continued flying commercially and privately well into her later years.
• Sarah Gorelick Ratley — An engineer and mathematician as well as a pilot, bringing a scientific edge to the group.

Together, these women were diverse in background, age, and experience—but united by their talent and determination to prove women belonged in space.

Creative Direction

My film blends archival footage, photographs, personal letters, and expert interviews with stylized visual storytelling that brings the past to life. By combining historical authenticity with cinematic storytelling, I hope to not only honor these women but also transport audiences into the intensity of the 1960s space race.

STRETCH GOALS

My $13,199 goal is the bare minimum needed to get the film made at a production quality everyone involved can be proud of and avoid exploiting the work of all production members. 

• If we raise $15,000 I will be able to have contingency funds in place should anything go wrong during the travel portion of filming, as well as cover some post-production costs. 
• If we raise $20,000, I will be able to cover additional festival costs, distribtion and promotional costs for completing and getting the film into the world and in front of a wider audience.

I want viewers to feel the triumphs, frustrations, and fierce determination of these women—an emotional journey as well as a historical one.

Why This Is Important Now

The fight for gender equality didn’t end in the 1960s. It continues today in boardrooms, laboratories, and launchpads. As we look toward a new era of space exploration with women finally training for missions to the Moon and Mars, it’s essential to remember the pioneers who came before.

With the rapidly deteriorating of public acknowledgement of stories that have earned a valid place in history and the lessening of these achievements as “DEI”, it is important to look back and ask ourselves what we have lost be not openly including and welcoming “other” voices in the growth of our Nation. Only in looking back can we truly advance and not just repeat our missteps.

By telling this story NOW, we not only honor Jackie, Jerrie, and the Mercury 13, but we also remind ourselves how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.

Thank you so much for checking out my campaign!

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

You can make a contribution by making a pledge (I need to collect at least 80% of our crowdfunding goal to keep the funds). You can choose an incentive or make a pledge to a specific wishlist item. You decide what fits your budget! Seriously, no pledge is too small. Every dollar makes a difference in making our film possible.

I hope you consider being a part of the creation of this film and follow along on my journey to tell this story,

COPY/PASTE TO SPREAD THE WORD:

I just supported the film The Other Space Race! Before women went to space, they had to fight to be allowed in the room. The Other Space Race uncovers the forgotten women who challenged gravity…and history. Click here for more info: www.seedandspark.com/fund/the-other-space-race

#Mercury13 #WomenInSpace #DocumentaryFilm #SpaceHistory #Crowdfunding