Travolta’s directorial debut to screen at Cannes

Paris, Apr 2 (EFE).- Actor John Travolta will premiere his first feature as director, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in the Cannes Première section, the organizers announced Thursday.

The film, an Apple Original based on a novel Travolta self-published in 1997, reflects the Grease and Pulp Fiction star’s long-standing passion for aviation.

Travolta is expected to attend the festival to introduce the film on the Croisette, according to a statement from organizers.

«Alongside an eclectic filmography of more than 70 films spanning half a century, the 72-year-old actor has a long-standing passion: aviation,» the festival said.

Travolta developed an early fascination with flying, watching aircraft take off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport near his childhood home.

He began flying at 15, earned his first pilot’s license at 22 and has since obtained multiple certifications, including ratings for Boeing 707, 737 and 747 aircraft, as well as the Airbus A380.

This passion, which has allowed him to log around 9,000 flight hours and pilot aircraft in films such as “Look Who’s Talking” (1989) and “Broken Arrow” (1996), inspired him three decades ago to publish an illustrated book he created for his son, which now serves as the basis for the film.

The story draws on Travolta’s childhood memories, from his first airplane flight to his experiences during the golden age of aviation.

Clark Shotwell plays a young aviation enthusiast in the film, while Kelly Eviston-Quinnett portrays his mother, with whom he embarks on a one-way adventure to Los Angeles.

The cast also includes Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann as flight attendants.

“Between airline meals, charming flight attendants (played by Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann), unexpected stopovers, larger-than-life passengers, and a thrilling glimpse at first class, the journey unfolds in moments both magical and unexpected, charting the course for the boy’s future,» the festival said.

The Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 12 to 23.

While most selections for the 79th edition will be announced on Apr. 9, organizers have already confirmed that the opening film will be “La Vénus électrique” by Pierre Salvadori.

Honorary Palme d’Or awards will also be presented to Peter Jackson and Barbra Streisand. EFE

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