National Geographic revealed the official trailer for SALLY, a documentary film on the life of Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel to space from Emmy-winning director Cristina Costantini (“Science Fair, Karol G). The film also reveals the story of Ride’s private relationship with Tam O’Shaughnessy, her partner of 27 years.
SALLY world premiered at this year’s Sundance Film FestivalSundance Film Festival and was awarded the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize. The film will premiere on National Geographic on Monday, June 16, at 9/8c and be available to stream globally the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. The film’s release is timed to the anniversary of Sally Ride’s spaceflight, which took place on June 18, 1983.
Sally Ride became the first American woman to blast off into space, but beneath her unflappable composure, she carried a secret. Revealing the romance and sacrifices of their 27 years together, Sally’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, tells the full story of this complicated and iconic astronaut for the first time.
The film features interviews with tennis champion and close friend to Ride, Billie Jean King; Sally’s sister, Bear Ride; and mother, Carol Joyce Ride, along with additional members of NASA’s class of 1978: Anna Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, John Fabian and Steve Hawley.
“Sally was a true pioneer—a hero who shattered barriers for girls and women and redefined what it means to be a leader,” said film participant and executive producer Tam O’Shaughnessy, Ride’s life partner. “I want the world to see Sally for who she truly was: passionate, private, ambitious, brave, funny, loyal, comfortable in her own skin and, above all, full of love. Our relationship was unique and transformative, and it deeply shaped both of our lives. It was important to me that this film not only celebrate Sally’s legacy but also share the story of our bond.”
Director Cristina Costantini said, “I can’t recall the exact moment that Sally Ride first captured my imagination, but I know that I’ve been obsessed with her story from a very young age. I was drawn to telling the story of a trailblazing woman fighting for respect in a male-dominated world. But above all, I wanted to explore the beautiful, unknown love story between Sally and Tam O’Shaughnessy. Their enduring relationship was kept secret from the public for 27 long years. Our film celebrates the Sally we all knew through her accomplishments and, for the first time, pays homage to the one we never could know.”
SALLY marks a full circle moment for the director as she considered herself a science nerd as a kid and has idolized Sally Ride her entire life, even painting a mural on the wall of her elementary school in Sally’s honor.
Watch the official trailer for SALLY.