Amazingly, their first steps seem promising. But can human intelligence overcome human sensitiveness and clashing egos? Filmmaker Kestner shows the human side of one of the most complex technical challenges: building a spaceship.

 

Amateurs in Space depicts two Denish men, Peter and Kristian, trying to achieve their childhood dream. For six years, these amateurs were followed by filmmaker Max Kestner in their unrealistic project, since only three countries in the world have succeeded so far in actually getting a man into space and back again. But they are not complete beginners: Peter has put together a fully functioning submarine before. Although they use do-it-yourself materials and hairdryers, the complex project is coming along surprisingly prosperous.

 

The greatest - and most confronting - surprise in Amateurs in Space is probably the human side of the whole project, and not the technical one. The smallness of humanity may be the biggest stumbling block in whether or not this great project will be a success and will put Denmark on the map of spaceship building countries. It becomes clear why these kinds of complex projects are carried out by large and professional teams with concrete plans and strict leadership. Because in addition to the amazing creativity and ingenuity of engineers, a project like this easily ends up in a battle of egos. Or how the contrast between human intelligence and human sensitiveness can compromise the ultimate boy's dream.