NASA is gearing up to launch a mission, including a Canadian astronaut, to the moon after over half a century. The upcoming Artemis II mission is set to take off next week, with four astronauts, including Canadian Jeremy Hanson, embarking on a 10-day journey around the moon. While the spacecraft won’t land, it will conduct surveillance and experiments in preparation for Artemis III, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface in the near future.
To commemorate this mission, Canadian singer-songwriter Emm Gryner has released a new song titled “Touch the Sky.” The accompanying music video for the song was directed, filmed, and edited by Thunder Bay-born filmmaker Laura-Lynn Petrick, who expressed her excitement, likening the experience to a “Stanley Kubrick moment.”
The music video features scenes shot in Thunder Bay, particularly at Belluz Farms, with local actor Leo James Durocher portraying a younger version of Hanson. Additional footage was captured in Sarnia, showcasing Gryner performing at a piano.
Gryner shared that the song’s inspiration stemmed from a conversation with Catherine Hansen, Jeremy’s wife, about creating a song for his upcoming lunar mission. Despite initial doubts, Gryner managed to assemble a talented team and create a meaningful tribute.
The collaborative project allowed Petrick and Gryner to work together, a plan they had discussed for about a year. The video incorporates footage from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and Hansen’s training, blending cinematic elements with scientific visuals to capture the essence of the mission.
Proceeds from the song will be donated to the Bluewater Health Foundation in Sarnia, Gryner confirmed. The video’s completion left Gryner impressed, emphasizing its focus on celebrating Hansen’s work rather than her own appearance.
Both artists expressed satisfaction with the final product, highlighting the significance of honoring Hansen’s accomplishments through music and visuals.
