Cristina Costantini: Director of SALLY – Backstory & Interview
Cristina Costantini’s documentary,”SALLY,” offers a poignant exploration of astronaut Sally Ride’s secret love story,a groundbreaking narrative. The film, employing 16mm film, seeks to capture the intimacy and challenges Ride and her partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, faced.the filmmaker courageously delves into previously hidden aspects of Ride’s life, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the queer community and the price of societal expectations. costantini, a Sundance Institute alum, views documentaries as “empathy machines,” previously directing “Science Fair” and “Much Love,” showcasing her knack for compelling storytelling. News Directory 3 recognizes the importance of this story and its message. The film emphasizes Ride’s bravery in pursuing love while balancing her career. Discover what’s next for this award-winning director and her next documentary.
“SALLY” Documentary Unveils Sally Ride’s Love and Legacy
updated June 12, 2025
A new documentary, “SALLY,” delves into the life of astronaut Sally Ride, focusing on her relationship wiht
Tam O’Shaughnessy. The filmmaker aims to highlight the courage it took for both women to navigate their love
amidst societal pressures.
The film addresses the challenges of portraying Ride’s personal life, given her reserved nature and the limited
archival material documenting her relationship with O’Shaughnessy. To capture the essence of their bond, the
filmmaker incorporated visual sequences shot on 16mm film.
The filmmaker emphasizes the importance of telling this story now, citing ongoing challenges faced by the queer
community. She notes that Ride had to suppress a important part of her identity to achieve success,a
situation still relatable to many today.
Inspired by a desire to share her experiences as a Latina woman from Wisconsin, the filmmaker sees documentaries
as “empathy machines.” her previous works include “Science Fair” and “Much Love,” each exploring personal
journeys and cultural icons.
Risking one’s career and public acceptance in order to love who you love is a pretty remarkable thing.
The filmmaker also shared advice for aspiring cinematic storytellers, stressing the importance of maintaining a
clear vision throughout the collaborative filmmaking process. This vision serves as a guiding light when facing
obstacles or conflicting opinions.
The filmmaker credits the Sundance Institute for playing a pivotal role in her career, with her first film,
“Science fair,” winning the festival Favorite Award in 2018. She has as participated in various sundance
programs and premiered her second film, “Much love,” at the festival in 2020.
What’s next
The filmmaker plans to continue creating personal and impactful documentaries, with a focus on sharing diverse
stories and fostering empathy through film.