Between 1968 and 1972, nine American spacecraft voyaged to the moon, and 12 men walked upon its surface.

They remain the only human beings to have stood on another world. Reel Alternatives’ next film, In the Shadow of the Moon, brings together for the first time (and possibly the last), surviving crew  members from every single Apollo mission that flew to the moon, to tell their story in their own words.  

Eight of the surviving crew members talk about their adventures with less of the engineering and more of the philosophy, which makes In the Shadow of the Moon different from the dramatic renditions of The Right Stuff, Apollo 13, and HBOS From Earth to the Moon. Where this documentary exceeds all previous efforts is in revealing the humanity of the astronauts.

Riveting firsthand testimony is interwoven with visually stunning archival material, which has been re-mastered from the original NASA film footage, much of it never used before.

Besides their reflective narrations (Mike Collins is full of insights and glamorous details while Jim Lovell could do colour commentary for any network), the photography, some of it never seen from NASA archives, is dazzling. Although Neil Armstrong, known to be somewhat of a recluse, does not make an appearance, he is certainly there in spirit. His fellow crew members make it known they felt he was the right choice for the first man out, being preternaturally calm under pressure.

The result is an intimate epic that vividly communicates the daring, the danger, the pride, and the promise of this extraordinary era in history when the whole world literally looked up at America. In the Shadow of the Moon is sponsored by McIlory & Payne Insurance Brokers and will be shown on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Twin Cinema. It is rated G.

Advance tickets are $7 at Muskoka Country Furniture and Gifts on Main Street, or $8 at the door if available.

To see more about this non-profit group’s movies and projects visit reelalternatives huntsville.ca.