Preston is set to host the screening of a new documentary, 'The Custodian of the Goodwill Moon Rock', which tells the remarkable story of local astronomer Dermot Gethings. Created by University of Lancashire graduate Sarah Bullough, the film focuses on Gethings' experience as a teenager in the 1970s when he was hand-selected by NASA to witness the Apollo 17 mission to the Moon.
The 30-minute documentary, scheduled for screening at the University's Preston Campus on 14 October, utilises a combination of NASA archive footage and personal photographs. It recounts the experience of the then 16-year-old Gethings as he watched the rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center in December 1972.
Filmmaker Sarah Bullough, who graduated in July, expressed her pride in the final version. "It's been an incredible experience to work with Dermot and I’m really proud of the final version of my documentary," she stated. "It’s been my biggest achievement so far and I can’t wait for people to come along and see it on the big screen."
“"It’s been my biggest achievement so far and I can’t wait for people to come along and see it on the big screen."
The interview with Dermot Gethings was recorded at the University's virtual production wall. Bullough explained the process: "I was able to project copyright-free images from NASA on to the virtual wall and mix those with Dermot’s personal photos while speaking to him. It was a joy to see the 16-year-old on the screen while talking to him decades later."
Bullough, who is also an audio visual technician and screen operating director in the Preston area, collaborated with fellow student Cameron Trickett as camera operator. She added: "When I was chosen to make the documentary, I was juggling so many final year projects but as soon as I met Dermot I knew I’d make sure I worked as hard as I could to deliver a documentary that reflected him and his amazing experience."
Dermot Gethings, Vice-Chair of the Preston and District Astronomical Society, developed a passion for space during his school years. He was scouted by the US Embassy after being featured in a local newspaper, which led to his trip to Florida, his first time travelling by aeroplane.
“"I’m overjoyed and really impressed with the final result. It is excellent and beyond my expectations. It is brilliantly edited and it flows beautifully. The music is perfect for the mood of the documentary. I'm really impressed with the NASA archive film clips and stills and can’t wait to see it on the big screen."
Following his experience witnessing the final crewed lunar landing mission, Gethings also embarked on an International Youth Science Tour around the US. The documentary, 'The Custodian of the Goodwill Moon Rock', has also been submitted for this year’s Royal Television Society Awards.
A free public screening and a question-and-answer session with Dermot Gethings will be held at the University’s Darwin Building Lecture Theatre on Wednesday 14 October at 6:30pm.
