1960. New Mexico. During the Space Race, a woman vying to become the nation’s first female astronaut meets a young nurse ready to give up on a dream of her own. Inspired by a true event.

SHE, WHO EXCELS IN SOLITUDE is an award-winning period short film loosely based on real-life characters of Mercury 13, the first 13 female astronaut trainees selected by NASA’s clandestine space program. While confronting social and gender prejudices, these silent and invisible pioneers endured both physical and psychological ordeals to reach for their stars. Produced with AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women. Written and directed by Mako Kamitsuna.