Press Release: Harry and the Art of Flight

Bangor, Northern Ireland – June 25, 2024 

Subculture Media is pleased to announce the premiere of five short educational films, collectively entitled Harry and the Art of Flight, directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker John T. Davis. The series delves into the remarkable life and legacy of Ulster-Scot Harry Ferguson, a local pioneer in engineering. Born in County Down in 1884, Ferguson played a major role in the mechanical implementation of farming and agriculture internationally.

A key feature of Ferguson Tractor Day, Harry and the Art of Flight will screen for the first time on June 29th at 1pm in The Picture House at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra. This cinema’s unique history and location complements the documentary films’ exploration of Ferguson's life and achievements. The museum not only celebrates Ulster’s rich cultural heritage, but also houses a vast collection of transport vehicles through the ages, including a full size replica of the original Harry Ferguson monoplane.

The films utilise Davis's footage, shot in 2009 – one hundred years after Ferguson’s first flight in 1909 – of a meticulously-crafted quarter scale replica model of the monoplane. The documentary series goes beyond the machine to offer a comprehensive look at Ferguson's life, motivations, and unwavering determination as a designer and aviator. Viewers learn of Ferguson's humble beginnings on an Ulster farm, and witness his early fascination with the motorcycles and automobiles that ultimately ignited his passion for aviation.

Across the five episodes, the documentary explores:

Ferguson's desire to design and build his own aircraft, culminating in a historic flight that cemented his place as a pivotal figure in Irish aviation.
His immersion in the burgeoning world of flight, where he learned from leading minds of the era, constantly pushing boundaries and overcoming technical challenges to refine his designs.

The struggles and triumphs he faced in mastering the intricate mechanics of the JAP engine, transforming it from a problematic component into the powerful heart of his aircraft.

His relentless pursuit of technical and physical mastery in achieving controlled flight, and his innovative solutions to conquering the skies.
The culmination of Ferguson's extraordinary journey. After facing setbacks, harsh weather conditions, and personal risk as he strove to secure his place in aviation history, Ferguson’s ultimate achievement was to make the first official powered flight in Ireland.

More Than Just a Technical Feat:

Harry and the Art of Flight goes beyond chronicling technical achievements. It celebrates Ferguson's unwavering spirit and enduring impact on the field of aviation. His story provides invaluable information and serves as a powerful inspiration for future generations, urging young people to pursue their dreams with courage and commitment.

As well as launching at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum’s Ferguson Tractor Day, Subculture Media is also planning future screenings of the series at prestigious international aviation events to ensure that this remarkable story becomes one that resonates across the world. The series can also be viewed online at ulsterscots.nvtv.co.uk and the Education Authority’s Ulster-Scots Hub.

About Subculture Media:

Subculture Media's expertise extends beyond traditional platforms. The company creates impactful stories that resonate across all media formats. From documentaries to brand experiences, their expertise ensures your message reaches and moves your audience.

John T. Davis is internationally recognized as Northern Ireland’s most distinctive documentary filmmaker and cinematographer. John began his professional filmmaking career in 1977, and rapidly developed a personal vision and poetic style. His feature documentaries include Shellshock Rock, Route 66, Dust on the Bible and Power in the Blood, Hobo, The Uncle Jack and Tailwind. His work has been screened at international festivals in London, New York and Hong Kong, and he has received numerous awards, including the New York Film and Television Silver Award and the San Sebastian Film Festival Young Audiences Award, and the Hong Kong and Macau European Film Festival Critics’ Choice Award. He was elected to Aosdána in 2005 in recognition of his significant contribution to the arts in Ireland.

Contact: Chris Eva|Producer|[email protected]