It isn’t just the oldest dream of mankind. It is the first and sole dream of a boy whose family, one of the last remaining native Kalinago, lives in poverty and social isolation. And it is the last dream of an adventurer and pioneer of the airways who used to fly kings over the savannahs of Africa and the deserts of the Arabian peninsula.
Two people, as different from each other as two can be, build their own airplane in the jungles of a Caribbean island: 78-year-old Swede Daniel Rundstroem and Rainstar, a 16-year-old Kalinago boy. They pursue their dream for over 3½ years, a dream for which they have sacrificed everything: they are planning to take part in one of the greatest flight shows of the world at the “Sun and Fun Festival” in Lakeland, Florida, competing against the best airplane designers.
For Daniel it is supposed to be the completion of an exciting life dedicated to flying. Rainstar, on the other hand, is at the brink of fulfilling all his dreams. The grandson of an Indian chief was born in a reservation on Dominica and was actually supposed to become a fisherman. Rainstar has to make as many sacrifices for his wish to become a pilot as Daniel in his time. The desire to fly and the willingness to give up everything else for it forms a rare bond between the two. In Rainstar, Daniel sees the reflection of his own life. He shares his entire wisdom about flying with him. This is his legacy.
And Rainstar is not only ready to accept this, but more than that. Without his assistance, Daniel would not have succeeded with his airplane construction in the small period of time. Rainstar has helped him over the worst periods of self-doubt and fear. They have mastered all crises over the course of four years: starting from delivery problems and the worldwide hunt for spare parts to discovering faults in the design and nagging doubts concerning the suitability of the material.
But for Daniel, it is more important that his wisdom and experience will be living on in Rainstar. That way he can compensate what he has missed with Niels-Holger, his own son. For the first time in his life, he faces the responsibility of a father. Rainstar has opened up Daniel’s eyes. The 78-year-old contacts his son in Berlin for the first time after more than ten years.
For almost four years, the documentary crew followed Daniel and Rainstar around on Dominica, the last island paradise of the Caribbean.
Their big moment has finally arrived in Lakeland, Florida: Are the construction plans for their airplane correct? Did Daniel calculate everything perfectly? Will the material hold?
The documentary also follows Daniel to Berlin where he reunites with his only son after more than ten years. In Rainstar Daniel has found a companion who – for the first time in the life – understands his desires; will this experience also help him to get closer to his own son?
In combination with film and photographic material from the exciting life of Daniel Rundstroem not yet shown in public, a transfixing documentary film has been produced which will not only mesmerize flight enthusiasts: a fascinating story of the passion, the dreams, and the adventures of two people and the process of self-discovery at the end of a life cycle.
UPDATE:
One of the key characters in this story, Dominican Rainstar Luke describes the documentary as a “ unique inspiring film of building a plane and following your dreams in paradise in Dominica. We feature Dominica in this documentary filmed over a span of 4 yrs. Following us all during our time building it. N257DR was sold and is currently flying in the USA for a private owner”.
Here is an update on the two main participents Rainstar Luke & Daniel Rundstroem since filming ended for this documentary:
Rainstar Luke is now a FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) licensed Commercial Pilot with a Multi Engine Rating who currently works as a Flight Attendant while pursuing an “Instrument Rating” which is his last course to graduate college and fly as a pilot for a regional airline. Rainstar attended First Nations Technical Institute in Ontario, Canada from August 2008 to June 2010 where he represented the Kalinago Indians. Rainstar Luke is proud of all his achievements in aviation but would like to thank those who believed in him and still do. Rainstar would like to thank his family & friends, sponsors who made him the success he is today. Rainstar has flown Cessna 172 & twin engine Piper Aztec with over 330 hours flight time.
Rainstar resides in the US where he is continuing his studies in aviation. He was born in Salybia, Kalinago Territory and is very proud to be a Kalinago.
Rainstar & Daniel hope their film “Celebration of Flight” encourages Dominicans to work in aviation ie Pilots, Flight Attendants, Airframe & Powerplant mechanics, Air Traffic Controllers.
Our message is simple dream it and make it a reality through hardwork, dedication & passion. Don’t give up on your dreams because it’s hard, difficult!
Daniel Rundstroem has retired from aviation but still loves it with a passion, Rainstar Luke credits Daniel as a mentor & inspiration in his young aviation career.
Daniel saw a young man with great potential, driven & passionate about flying perhaps saw a reflection of himself many decades ago. Daniel’s mentoring included weather, aviation theory & knowledge that was used as a foundation by Rainstar for aviation college.
The two remain friends connected by the desire to be free as birds in the sky, travel thousands of miles. Daniel is a person who overcame many obstacles to achieve his dream in paradise, he brought many years of experience as a pilot & mechanic to build an airplane. Daniel has piloted the Douglas DC3, Boeing 707, BAC111 during his career flying all over the world. Daniel still resides in Dominica.
See trailer below.
What about the other people who assisted
well Matthew Luke —the incense and Mushroom man and Christine his American grassroot wife – a lady if there is one -white but with a real black humble personality WHO ADOPTED THE KALINAGO BOY FROM BABY HOOD AND CALLED HIM RAINSTAR … TOGETHER WITH HIS ST.JO ADOPTED SISTER.. WERE GROOMED IN THE HIILS OF POND CASSE.
RAINSTAR IS KALINAGO ROYALTY …BLOOD OF THE CHIEFS .. THE FREDERICK CLAN ..
A QUIET FOCUSED BOY WHO WITH THE INFLUENCE OF AN EDUCATED MOM SPOKE WITH CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE .. SWITCHING FROM THE ROOTSY TALK OF MATTHEW TO THE CADENCE AND ACCENT OF HIS MOTHER CHRISTINE ..AMAZING HOW FAR HE HAS COME .. AND HOW MUCH FURTHER HE WILL GO
BIG UP KALINAGO WHO NOW HAVE POLOTS DOCTORS AND LAWYERS AND NOW A HERO IN A FILM OF A GREAT STORY !!
While i am very happy for D/ca and our people on this documentary it is so unfair to give the kalinago people credit for something they didnot have any part to play in, if you were to go to the carib territory and ask who is Rainstar Luke they would not know who you talking about… my point is, what about his parents who raised him to be who he is now, thanks to them who lost sleep just to see and know that he gets to be where he was suppose to be, MATHEW AND CHRISTINE LUKE MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU GUYS FOR A JOB WELL DONE !! you guys deserve the credit all the way… one love !!!!
o my…i never forget when raistar forever spoke about building his own airplaine when we attended the goodwill secondary school..i knew he had it in him…it makes me so proud to see a young person making their dream a reality…kepp it up
great adventure.the skys the limit.exitine.who say we cannot run tings.we ar small island people with great minds.congratulation to u brotherman. waitiny for the film.40mls fr lakeland.
Belive in your good dreams and go forward to fly free !
What a brilliant uplifting story. We are so lucky to know his family who grow mushrooms and are amazing people! Congratulations to you Rainstar Luke Dreams do come true!!!
If the story is authentic, this have proved my theory that anything can be accomplished in Dominica.
The eyes of Dominicans should be opened to the fact that the raw material used in the building of an aircraft in Dominica is not found, or manufactured in Dominica.
Therefore everything used in the production had to be imported, so what’s wrong with the idea of manufacturing products such as home appliances, electronics, and other such products which can be sold on the international markets.
Dominica can be industrialized if we have the ambition, and wish to take that path.
What we read today is perhaps the most positive to come out of our country in all of its history!
In the story we read that the aircraft is sold to someone, or company who has utilized its service:
Food for thought; a nation is only limited when the people of the country limits themselves!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Love the story, way to go. Which movie was that?
This story really warms my heart. We need to support our own to acheive their objectives. I am very proud of this young man because he is one of us(an airplane pilot). I would love to see our own flight school in Dominica one day. This would afford us the opportunity to teach our young ones and people interested how to fly an airplane.
How do we see the whole movie please?
We are planning a Premier for Celebration of Flight in December in Dominica, once we have a Premier all Dominicans will be able to see the whole film. We are very excited and look forwad to show this film, to make it a success we ask that you share it on Facebook, comment, like. We want Dominicans to be proud of this achievement and look forward in the coming months to show you are film. Please tell your friends, family & be inspired to live your dreams. Dominica has some amazing people, the village of Cochrane provided the help when we needed it! Without the villagers of Cochrane whose kinds words of encouragement, helping us move the plane from the mountains to the seaport to ship the plane to Sun N Fun airshow none of it would be possible.
Daniel used to be my Chief-Pilot when I joined Bavaria in 1967. I hope Daniel is still kicking, even though he is 8 years older than I am. If so, please give him my best regards and a warmly congratulation for a job well done.
Yesterday I saw the film on an Austrian TV station (called “Servus”) reporting from the airshow “Airpower13” in Zeltweg/Steiermark with many of the world best pilots and aerobatic-teams. All the best wishes for you as well.
Dieter Schwenn
Airbus,
DNO has long last picked up on your story.
Enjoyed it first time round.
Good to see again.
This sounds like a really good project. Congratulations to all involved.
This is great news no one has the right to give up on thier dreams with god at your side nothing can stop you.
Dreams do come true, we just have to believe and put God first.
i am proud to be a dominican.I drove my car everywhere with my dominican sticker at the back of my car in canada
I am soooooo happy for you guys good luck
That’s what’s up. Who said Dominica is just a small island that few know about. I am rather excited for your success.
in the heights of dominica where nothing is available?
wow. thats so amazing.
good for whoever ot is how much they selin it 56boxman
Never value anyone’s dreams until you accomplish yours…It was a privilege to actually see this creation with my own eyes.
THIS IS GREAT
I LOVE IT
Dreams do come true.Good luck guys.
Thanks for the update pls give more info about the upcoming premier of the film in Dominica
This just goes to show that the sky is truly the limit! What a heatrwarming real-life story to encourage, particularly our youn folk.
It just shows hard work pays off,young people please don’t give up no matter what situations are a-head of you. Thank you Rainstar for inspiring young people.
How refreshing to read something like this and feel good about Kalinagos, Dominica, and even humanity. Sohappy for oyu that you have acheived so much and you have learned so much from someone whom you probably originally thought had nothing in common with you. Congratulations also to you who have made amends and built bridges with your own son after so many years. It is funny the place and people that we endu up learning life changing lessons from. May both of oyu be blessed, live well, and prosper!
Selah!
When will this film be shown on tv?
when will this film be shown on Sat or Marpin?
This is what I am talking about. God’s grace to you and your friend young man.
thanks for the story, i was not even aware that this project was going on, great news! i as a dominican always welcome those possitive things. thanks for making my day. this story inspires me to continue writing.
TO RAINSTORM:”sometimes what we are fighting for , to many, may seem insignificant, but for those of us with backbones we will stand in the midst of the raging seas and will not be shaken by its bashing”.
keep on the good work. God’s blessings to you
That’s good stuff
This is so wonderful to know.Young man,u have made ur self,family,race,people and the whole nation of proud.this story has a lesson to be leant, cause there are many other young people in Dominica who has dreams and want’s them fullfill,but they never go after them.Young people here’s a lesson and a message for u.Please,learn it well.GOOD LUCK YOUNG MAN.GOOD LUCK TO THOSE WHO WISH TO FOLLOW IN THIS FOOT PRINTS.GOD BLESS
That is so nice………..
You have just inspired every young Dominican who dear to dream. You let them see that it is possible! Keep up the great work!
May God bless… May God always bless
Wawh! That’s a a push for our young people, the sky is really the limit, I feel proud to be a Dominican with a story like this, hope to see the entire documentry. Congrats to both gentle men who pursued their dream to it’s end.
Dominicans let’s search within us each and fight to fulfill our dreams. Blessings.
This is a very inspiring story. It gives practical meaning to the expression “the sky is the limit”. We are reminded that our potentials and possibilities are limitless and we should never stop pursing our dreams, irrespective of the many challenges and negatives abound. I wish the gentleman well in his studies. Kalinago Territory should be proud of its son but I recognize that yet again a community in the Roseau Valley (Cochrane) is featured in a positive and moving story from Dominica.
Another young kalinago has made his people proud. Wait until the rest of the university grads returns.
Great achievement, you have made your family proud.
wow! wow! WOW!!! Truly inspiring story.
Thanks for posting our story, We hope we inspire someone to fulfill his\her dreams. Thanks Dominica for all your love and support.
i know that ur family would be proud of u especially ur brother craig
Good job young man, continue to make your country proud. Best of luck in your studies and future endeavors. The sky is the limit.
you are most welcome
I would love to watch this documentary. Any idea where or when I could?
I mean-good luck
Beautiful, beautiful story- Good lucky