Lift Off

High school engineers from diverse communities across the U.S. compete in a model rocketry competition, spotlighting the challenges of growing up, unequal opportunities, the repeated failures of aerospace, and the timeless need for mentorship. While rocketry unites them, their journeys reveal the struggle to find their paths in an unequal world.

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Our Story

As Gwen runs cross country in the El Paso desert, memories of the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC) finals three months ago haunt her—the boys on her team had disrespected her throughout the competition. Back home, Gwen emotionally recounts the sexism but vows to start an all-girls team.

In rural Alabama, Kevin and Audrey unite after their teams fail to win at ARC, the world’s largest model rocketry competition. Kevin grapples with intense parental pressure, while Audrey struggles with a difficult home life. When their rocket explodes during a November test flight, they’re forced to rebuild with just four months left to qualify.

In Chicago, Louis, a rising senior, admits he’s unsure about college and is considering the military. Despite family challenges, he’s built quadruped robots and rovers for rockets. This year, his team aims to outsmart the competition with an onboard robot that ensures consistent altitudes.

All three teams test their rockets until they achieve consistent flights, qualifying for the 2025 finals. But the real triumph is in how each student overcomes their personal struggles along the way.

Why NOW?

LIFT OFF is a vital documentary that challenges stereotypes about who belongs in STEM, shining a spotlight on “nerds” from underrepresented communities as they navigate personal struggles and the world’s largest rocketry competition. At a time when conversations around equity in education and opportunity are urgent, this film amplifies the voices of students whose stories are often overlooked.

The filmmaker’s deep connection to the project—shaped by a personal history as the son of a Cuban-American educator and an outsider in a Southern community—grounds the story in authenticity. Relationships built over two years of self-funded production, with over 100 shoot days and extensive time spent earning the trust of students, families, and educators, ensure the film captures the heart of these journeys.

These students’ resilience and determination reflect broader struggles for recognition and opportunity in an unequal world. LIFT OFF doesn’t just document a competition; it tells a timely story of overcoming barriers, finding belonging, and redefining who gets to dream big.

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