This award winning-documentary features 20 inspiring women pilots, including Amelia Earhart, who raced across America over a nine-day period in the summer of 1929. The film is currently airing on PBS stations across the United States. PBS World stations in more than 30 states will be airing Breaking Through the Clouds nationally on March 4th and 5th to celebrate Women’s History Month. Check local listings for specific airdates.

The participants in the first Women’s Transcontinental Air Race, officially known as the National Women’s Air Derby, included headline aviatrixes Amelia Earhart, Pancho Barnes, Bobbi Trout and Louise Thaden. In all, there were twenty qualified pilots who entered this ground-breaking race which was dubbed the Powder Puff Derby by columnist Will Rogers.

During the race, there were emergency landings, damaged planes, rumors of sabotage and plenty of public scrutiny to contend with on a daily basis. There was even a case of Typhoid Fever, a wayward trip or two into Mexico and ultimately, a tragic death. However, the women also had strong support from many, including some of the best known pilots and celebrities of the day.

This race became one of the most pivotal and significant events ever to take place in women’s aviation. It was, after all, more than just a race; it was a chance to show the world that women can be independent, competitive, self-sufficient, intelligent, competent, graceful and really good pilots.

Independent filmmaker Heather Taylor produced this film with the hope to inspire others to find the courage to pursue their dreams just as the women of the derby did.