NASA is gearing up to launch a mission to send humans, including a Canadian astronaut, to the moon after more than fifty years. The upcoming Artemis II mission, set to launch next week, will circle the moon for ten days with four astronauts, including Canadian Jeremy Hanson. This mission aims to conduct various tests and experiments in preparation for Artemis III, which will see humans return to the lunar surface in the near future.
Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner celebrates the mission with a new song titled “Touch the Sky,” accompanied by a music video directed, shot, and edited by Thunder Bay-born filmmaker Laura-Lynn Petrick. Petrick expressed her excitement, likening the experience to her “Stanley Kubrick moment,” emphasizing the unity and potential accomplishments of the mission.
The music video features scenes shot in Thunder Bay at Belluz Farms, with local actor Leo James Durocher portraying a younger version of Jeremy Hanson. Additional footage was captured in Sarnia, showcasing Gryner performing at a piano. Gryner shared that the song was inspired by her friendship with Catherine Hansen, Jeremy’s wife, and the collaboration with a talented team resulted in a successful outcome.
The project brought Petrick and Gryner together, fulfilling their plans to collaborate on visuals for Gryner’s music. The video includes footage from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and Hansen’s training, blending cinematic elements with scientific imagery. Gryner expressed her satisfaction with the final product, highlighting the tribute to Hansen’s work and noting that all proceeds from the song will benefit the Bluewater Health Foundation in Sarnia.
