{"id":64846,"date":"2012-05-30T12:57:12","date_gmt":"2012-05-30T16:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=64846"},"modified":"2012-05-31T10:47:28","modified_gmt":"2012-05-31T14:47:28","slug":"airplane-built-in-dominica-featured-in-film","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/news\/entertainment\/airplane-built-in-dominica-featured-in-film\/","title":{"rendered":"Airplane built in Dominica featured in film"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Transporting the plane in Cochrane<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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 3\u00bd 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 \u201cSun and Fun Festival\u201d in Lakeland, Florida, competing against the best airplane designers.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s eyes. The 78-year-old contacts his son in Berlin for the first time after more than ten years.<\/p>\n

For almost four years, the documentary crew followed Daniel and Rainstar around on Dominica, the last island paradise of the Caribbean.<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 for the first time in the life \u2013 understands his desires; will this experience also help him to get closer to his own son?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

UPDATE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the key characters in this story, Dominican Rainstar Luke describes the documentary as a \u201c 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\u201d.<\/p>\n

Here is an update on the two main participents Rainstar Luke & Daniel Rundstroem since filming ended for this documentary:<\/p>\n

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\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Rainstar & Daniel hope their film “Celebration of Flight” encourages Dominicans to work in aviation ie Pilots, Flight Attendants, Airframe & Powerplant mechanics, Air Traffic Controllers.<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

See trailer below.<\/p>\n