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The Balloonists (PG)

— ,Cinemas
Two men stare out at the camera from within the carriage of a small red airship.

Winter, 1999. A Swiss explorer and a British flying instructor take on the world's leading aeronauts and billionaires in a race to become the first people to fly nonstop around the world in a balloon.

In the winter of 1999, Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard and British flight instructor Brian Jones embark on an attempt to complete the last great aviation challenge of the 20th century – to circumnavigate the globe, non-stop, in a hot-air balloon.

Rival teams are lifting off across the world and the race is on to be the first to write their name in the history books. Working together, Piccard and Jones must overcome extreme weather conditions, survive potentially fatal technical failures and endure increasing mental and physical exhaustion if they want to make it.

From director John Dower, The Balloonists is an 'adventure-filled crowd-pleaser' (Variety) of a documentary, charting innovation, rivalry and perseverance.

Tagged with: Cinema Magic Mondays New releases

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Film information
  • Release year   2026
  • Country of origin   US, UK, Austria
  • Director   John Dower
  • Runtime   1hr 26mins

Cinemas

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.