Zero Gravity

“‘A fantastical journey into space.“ — Naomi Pandolfi, The Knockturnal

“The film beautifully involves us with these bright and appealing kids, their families, and their teacher, and with how reaching toward space affects them.“ — Sloan Science and Film

While it’s true today’s 11-year-olds will one day run the world, middle-schoolers in San Jose, CA are taking their summer break to get a head start. Immersed in their own space race, a diverse group of ambitious students enter the Zero Robotics ISS (International Space Station) Competition.

Their mission: compete with teams across the country to write the most strategic code for surveying satellites, known as SPHERES. These satellites will help map out a GPS system to successfully orbit Mars in the future, opening the door to infinite opportunities and exploration on the Red Planet.

Coached by first-time instructor Tanner Marcoida, three of his engaging young students, Adrien Engelder, Advik Gonugunta, and Carol Gonzalez, lead the charge. Each coder-in-the-making brings their own strengths, unique perspectives, and boundless curiosity to their team, together embarking on an out-of-this-world STEM quest that celebrates space, teamwork, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Featuring astronauts Steve Smith, Cady Coleman, and ISS resident Jack Fischer — who performs the students’ incredible achievements in orbit 250 miles above the Earth‘s surface — Thomas Verrette’s inspiring documentary highlights the importance of empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who will fearlessly lead us into the future — and even the unknown…

Recommended for ages 8+

The 9th annual Miami Children's Film Festival runs November 17 to November 20. Culturally rich, educational, and entertaining, the Festival includes four days of highly acclaimed international cinema for children and families. It offers a unique opportunity to cultivate critical appreciation for intelligent films among younger people. In addition to the films and hands-on workshops, there will be a free festival street fair taking place on Aragon Avenue on Saturday, November 19, and a closing party on the plaza in front of the cinema with fun activities and music on Sunday, November 20. As a mission-driven nonprofit cinema, we believe that art should be affordable and accessible to everyone and this year, admission to screenings is pay what you can!

Check out the rest of our Miami Children's Film Festival program!