A Dream Takes Flight - Best of the Fest Free Screening
A Dream Takes Flight Showing FREE on August 22 at SJI Grange and Lopez Island Library
Follow aviator John Norman’s journey to build and fly a precise replica of the Spirit of St. Louis in this inspiring aviation documentary. The Best of the Fest screening of A Dream Takes Flight will be followed by a special in person Q&A with John Norman at the Grange and via Live Stream at the Lopez Island Library. The screening begins at 7 pm on Friday, August 22 at the SJI Grange and Lopez Island Library.
A Dream Takes Flight
A Dream Takes Flight describes the fulfillment of aviator John Norman’s dream of building and flying an authentically accurate replica of the iconic Spirit of St. Louis.
Shot in the scenic San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest, we follow the life and journey of John Norman as he recreates one of the most iconic airplanes of all time. This story is chock full of historical footage of Charles A. Lindbergh’s famous flight across the Atlantic that changed aviation forever.
Follow the process of building the most authentically accurate reproduction of the history making, Ryan-built aircraft. Understand some of the challenges the builders overcame during its construction and learn previously undisclosed facts about the original aircraft. Hear what a Wright J-5 Whirlwind sounds like when it’s running and learn from pilot Ron Fowler what it’s like to fly the plane. Witness the beauty and splendor of the Pacific Northwest in aerial footage from the plane in flight.
John Norman began building his "Spirit of St. Louis by JNE" in April 2012 when the first crate of tubing arrived at his shop in Burlington, WA.
Seven years and three months later the "Spirit of St. Louis by JNE" made her maiden flight from Arlington Municipal Airport in Arlington, Washington. From that location she has flown several flights and had several more "ground" runs to keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly when actual flights were not possible.
John's goal has always been to share his replica of the iconic aircraft that changed aviation history around the world. To that end "The Spirit of St. Louis by JNE" is now for sale. John hopes there will be an investor out there somewhere who would like to add this iconic bird to a museum where visitors from across the nation and around the world will have an opportunity to see an authentic replica of the aircraft that opened the door to aviation as we know it today.
Hvaldimir – 2025’s final Best of the Fest film will be shown September 12 (SJI Library/Lopez Library)
Details about upcoming Best of the Fest films are available on the fhff.org website. FHFF appreciates the sponsorship of The Journal of the San Juan Islands! Mark your calendar and plan to view the exceptional Best of the Fest documentaries on either San Juan or Lopez Islands!
2025 Friday Harbor Film Festival October 23-26
Patron Passes and All Access Passes are now available at fhff.org with Early Bird Pricing through August 24. Reserved seating will be available for the first time, making your viewing experience more enjoyable. SAVE THE DATES & BUY YOUR PASS EARLY.
