Space Cowboy

Film followed by a Q&A with the editor.

Joe Jennings, an innovator in the world of skydiving, has spent decades capturing breathtaking aerial moments with his camera for extreme sports competitions, Super Bowl commercials, and Hollywood blockbusters. Driven by a passion for “camera flying” in his youth, Joe cultivated a deep friendship with fellow skydiver Rob Harris, partnering to become one of the most influential skysurfing teams in history. 

Flying at the top of their game, Joe’s world was shattered when tragedy struck, leaving him to navigate the skies alone. Never giving up, he continued to push the boundaries of aerial cinematography and skydiving, finding solace in the clouds while grappling with profound grief and depression. Now, at 62, this pioneering skydiver is taking on a new challenge, elevating his art with a daring “flying car” stunt. 

Veteran filmmaker Marah Strauch, whose SUNSHINE SUPERMAN also premiered at TIFF, and co-director Bryce Leavitt, making his directorial debut, delve into Joe’s extraordinary 40-year career in the sky. Through stunning archival footage, revealing interviews, and dramatic verité, they uncover a deeper emotional journey as Joe navigates loss, depression, and the challenge of balancing a life in the sky with the realities on the ground.

Director Biographies

MARAH STRAUCH – CO-DIRECTOR: 

Marah Strauch is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Marah Strauch’s debut documentary feature, SUNSHINE SUPERMAN, was released theatrically by Universal Pictures (in foreign territories) and Magnolia Pictures (USA). SUNSHINE SUPERMAN is an exhilarating and poetic portrait of Carl Boenish, the inventor of BASE jumping. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Dubbed a “masterful debut” by The New York Times and “one of the best docs of the year” by Indiewire, SUNSHINE SUPERMAN was picked up to air on CNN as a “CNN film.” Marah directed an ESPN original profiling the street skater Mark Gonzales. The film explored the intersection of sports and art. Marah’s most recent feature documentary, VICE VERSA: CHYNA, premiered on Vice and was acquired by Hulu. She has produced and directed over 40 hours of TV and branded content in over 30 countries, working with networks and brands such as CNN, VICE, HGTV, POPSUGAR, American Express, and Adidas. Marah is a dual citizen of the USA and Austria. She is developing a documentary film slate with her production company, Scissor Kick Films. 

BRYCE LEAVITT – CO-DIRECTOR: 

Leavitt is the founder of Curve Shark Productions, which specializes in commercial and documentary production. A former professional basketball player, Bryce has formed a deep connection with Joe Jennings, both through their joint commercial work and as elite athletes with a deep connection to extreme sports. Previously, Bryce wrote and directed the short film “Unstoppable.” SPACE COWBOY is Bryce’s feature directorial debut.