REVIEW: Reaching For Light | 33rd Raindance Film Festival

"Thrilling, uplifting, and visually out of this world."

WOW. Reaching for Light isn’t just a documentary - it’s an experience. Making its World Premiere at this year’s Raindance Film Festival, this breathtaking film takes you on an exhilarating journey to the edge of space in search of something magical: the Northern Lights, captured like you’ve never seen them before.

Daring, Dazzling, and Deeply Human

From the very first frame, Reaching for Light hooks you with its jaw-dropping visuals and keeps you there with the sheer audacity of its mission. A team of fearless UK-based innovators sets out to film the Aurora Borealis from inside the phenomenon, launching high-altitude cameras into the stratosphere. It’s bold. It’s bonkers. And it’s beautiful.

Cinematic Brilliance

Visually, this film is a knockout. The vast Arctic landscapes, swirling light displays, and crisp star-studded skies are nothing short of spellbinding. The cinematography doesn’t just capture nature - it celebrates it. Every shot feels like a love letter to the planet and the mysteries it still holds.

A Celebration of Curiosity & Courage

What sets Reaching for Light apart is its beating heart. Behind the high-tech kit and frostbitten gear are passionate people driven by wonder. The documentary beautifully captures the highs and lows of the mission - technical hiccups, weather setbacks, moments of triumph - all underscored by an unshakable belief in the power of exploration.

A Few Bumps on the Way

Some of the tech-heavy sections slow the pace ever so slightly - but even those serve a purpose, showing just how much grit and graft goes into chasing a dream this ambitious. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey. And what a ride it is.

Final Verdict

Reaching for Light is a triumph - a bold, visually stunning ode to human curiosity and the pursuit of the impossible. It leaves you in awe, not only of the natural world, but of the incredible minds determined to capture it. A perfect fit for Raindance, and a shining example of what documentary cinema can be when it dares to dream big.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

World Premiere at the 33rd Raindance Film Festival 27th June 2025.

FILM DETAILS

• World Premiere: 27th June 2025

• TL;DR: A team of intrepid spacecraft engineers venture into the Arctic Circle, pushing the limits of technology as they attempt to film inside the Aurora Borealis.

• Director: Matt Lanning, Eva Yap, Alex Keen

• Cast: Chris Rose, Alex Baker, Matt Lanning, Alex Keen

• Genres: Documentary

• Run time: 47 Minutes

• Cert: -