The lost film that was supposed to air during the 1969 moon landing
In short: Art critic Aline B. Saarinen explores humanity's eternal fascination with the moon in this archival film. Originally produced for the 1969 lunar landing, the documentary was never broadcast, offering a unique perspective on how cultures have mythologized our celestial neighbor throughout history.
This short film traces the moon's symbolic power across diverse traditions, ranging from the Roman goddess Diana to the Japanese legend of the moon rabbit. Saarinen examines how these mythological associations reflect a universal human desire to comprehend the moon's perceived influence and mystery.
The footage is part of The Met's audiovisual archive, which includes over 1,500 films dating back to the 1920s. This specific piece was rediscovered and released as part of the museum's 150th anniversary celebrations in 2020, providing a rare look at a project intended for the historic July 20, 1969, moon landing event.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Moon Art, 1969 | From the Vaults
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