On the morning of May 23rd, the bustling city of Kiev welcomed two very special guests — American astronaut Scott Kelly and renowned director Doug Liman. The pair arrived via train, greeted by a crowd of eager fans and media, as they made their way to a press conference at the city’s main train station.
Many were curious as to why this dynamic duo had chosen to visit Kiev, and the answer was revealed during the press conference. Kelly and Liman were in town to promote their new documentary film, «The Expedition: A Journey to the End of the Universe». The film chronicles Kelly’s record-breaking year-long mission on the International Space Station, and was directed by Liman himself.
The collaboration between the astronaut and the director may seem unconventional, but their friendship was formed during a chance encounter at a charity event. As Kelly explained, «Doug and I met at a charity event a few years ago and we hit it off. He was fascinated by my experiences in space and we started talking about the idea of creating a film together.»
Liman, known for his action-packed films such as «The Bourne Identity» and «Mr. and Mrs. Smith», was immediately drawn to the idea of documenting Kelly’s journey. «I have always been a fan of science and space exploration, so when Scott approached me with this idea, I knew I had to be a part of it,» he shared.
In addition to promoting their film, the duo also had the opportunity to meet with Ukrainian officials and students at the National Aviation University. Kelly, who holds the record for the longest consecutive time spent in space by an American astronaut, spoke about the importance of international cooperation in space exploration and the potential for future collaboration between Ukraine and the United States.
Their visit to Kiev also included a tour of the city’s historical sites, such as the iconic Independence Square and the majestic St. Sophia’s Cathedral. Kelly was particularly impressed by the city’s beauty and the warm welcome they received from the locals. «I’ve been to many countries, but there’s something special about Kiev. The people here are so welcoming and the architecture is breathtaking,» he shared.
The city of Kiev was abuzz with excitement as Kelly and Liman made their way through its streets. Fans were eager to catch a glimpse of the famous astronaut and director, and many lined up to take photos and get autographs. The overwhelming response from the Ukrainian people only added to the success of the duo’s visit.
As their time in Kiev came to an end, Kelly and Liman expressed their gratitude for the warm reception they received. «We were blown away by the hospitality and enthusiasm of the people of Kiev. It has been an unforgettable experience,» said Liman.
Their visit not only brought attention to their new film, but also highlighted the importance of international partnerships and the power of science and technology to bring people together. It was a momentous occasion for the city of Kiev and a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie beyond our planet.
In the words of Scott Kelly, «The universe is vast and mysterious, but through our shared passion for exploration and discovery, we can push boundaries and pave the way for a brighter future.» And as for Doug Liman, he hopes that their film will inspire a new generation to pursue careers in science and space.
As Kelly and Liman bid farewell to Kiev, the city was left with a lasting impression of their visit — one of friendship, inspiration, and the endless possibilities of the unknown.
