The Space Shuttle: A Butterfly on a Rocket
April 13, 2026 6:30 pm
Art Society Lecture
The Space Shuttle: A Butterfly on a Rocket
The Space Shuttle: A Butterfly on a Rocket
Hunter Theatre
This presentation traces NASA’s Space Shuttle program from its ambitious start to its final missions. Through de Vries’ 12-week film shoot at Cape Canaveral and Mission Control in Houston, this documentary offers exclusive footage from unprecedented access to the Space Shuttle, Endeavour—a privilege never before granted. Hear behind-the-scenes stories and delve into the missions and the individuals who made the Space Shuttle program a defining chapter in space exploration.
Pieter de Vries
Pieter de Vries ACS is a renowned documentary cinematographer whose incredible journey has taken him from the heights of the Space Shuttle to the depths of the North Atlantic. He has captured extraordinary moments around the world. Regarded as one of the leading documentary cinematographers, Pieter’s films have garnered numerous accolades, including Emmys and BAFTAs.
His work spans more than 180 countries and territories, filming for prestigious organizations like NASA and collaborating with acclaimed director James Cameron on the exploration of the Titanic wreck. Pieter’s contributions to beloved nature documentaries presented by David Attenborough have captivated audiences worldwide.
Pieter is an Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) accredited Director of Photography and a Sony Global Imaging Ambassador and an Apple Creative Partner. Through his talks, Pieter shares his remarkable stories, screens segments of his work, and unveils the enchanting camera magic that defines his craft. Prepare for a truly immersive cinematic experience.
Listen to a one-hour interview on ABC radio’s “Conversations”.
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