The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is releasing a new program, CAF Rise Above: WASP, that will detail the story behind the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). The new film, part of the CAF’s national education outreach program, will detail the struggles and social stigmas that the women overcame to serve their country. It will include historical footage, interviews with surviving WASPs and flying scenes shot with the CAF’s collection of World War II aircraft.
The film, designed to be viewed on a curved screen in an inflatable dome theater for a more immersive experience, is scheduled to debut during the 2017-to-2018 school year with select CAF units. The CAF hopes to eventually feature the film at 60 locations and reach one million people annually.
“The WASP are the spiritual grandmothers,” said Heather Penney, the National WASP program chair for CAF Rise Above: WASP. “Sharing their story will encourage the next generation of female aviators and inspire all to rise above their own personal challenges and achieve success.”