Idaho Today Host, Mellisa Paul, sat down with the cast of the new Apple Original Film , a nostalgic journey that celebrates the wonder of aviation through the eyes of a young dreamer.
Premiering globally on Apple TV on May 29 following its debut at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, the film is written, directed, narrated, and produced by two-time Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe and Emmy winner John Travolta. The project began as a children's book first published by Travolta in 1997 and has now been transformed into a family-friendly feature that pays tribute to aviation's golden age.
Set during an era when flying represented adventure, elegance, and endless possibility, follows young airplane enthusiast Jeff, played by newcomer Clark Shotwell, on a one-way cross-country journey to Hollywood with his mother, portrayed by Idaho native Kelly Eviston-Quinnett.
What begins as a simple flight becomes the trip of a lifetime as Jeff encounters colorful passengers, charming flight attendants, unexpected stopovers, classic airline meals, and even a glimpse into the exclusive world of first class. Along the way, the journey helps shape his future and deepens his fascination with flight.
For Idaho audiences, the film carries a special hometown connection. In addition to her starring role, Eviston-Quinnett serves as head of acting instruction in the University of Idaho's Department of Theatre Arts. Her appearance in an internationally celebrated film marks a proud moment for the university and the state's performing arts community.
During their conversation with Paul, the cast reflected on how the film captures a time when flying still felt magical. Before crowded terminals and digital boarding passes, air travel represented glamour, discovery, and possibility. Through Jeff's eyes, audiences experience the excitement of stepping aboard an airplane for the first time and watching the world open up from above.
Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann portray flight attendants who help bring the warmth and elegance of vintage airline culture to life. From polished uniforms and attentive cabin service to the excitement of crossing the country by air, the film lovingly recreates a bygone era that continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts.
At its heart, however, is about much more than airplanes. It is a coming-of-age story about curiosity, imagination, family, and the moments that quietly shape a young person's future. The cast shared how the emotional center of the film comes from Jeff's childlike sense of wonder and the unexpected connections he makes along the way.
Travolta's lifelong passion for aviation is woven throughout the project, giving the film an authentic affection for flight history while delivering a universally relatable family story. That combination of nostalgia and emotional sincerity helped make the film a standout selection at Cannes ahead of its worldwide streaming debut.
For viewers who love classic travel adventures, heartfelt family storytelling, and the timeless romance of aviation, promises an uplifting cinematic journey for audiences of all ages.