Vera Rubin was not only a groundbreaking astronomer, she was also a trailblazer for women across all fields of study.

From a young age, Vera had always been fascinated with the expanse above her. Surrounded by the support of her family, her interests blossomed into a full-blown passion for astronomy, ultimately earning her a scholarship to study at Vassar College, where she graduated as the only female astronomy major. She then began applying for graduate school programs, but was turned down from Princeton's prestigious program because the astronomy department did not accept women (a policy that continued until 1975).

She decided to follow her husband, Robert, to Cornell University, where, while raising their infant son, she presented her initial research into the world we now know as dark matter to the American Astronomical Society. It is within this life-changing moment that we choose to tell her story.

Vera would go on earn over 15 major achievements throughout her life, including the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, the Bruce Medal, and the National Medal of Science. Countless female scientists across numerous fields of study have attributed their own successes to the influence and pioneering spirit that Vera embodied throughout her life.  

Sadly, Vera passed away in 2016. Many scientists have argued that her work not only made groundbreaking advancements within the astronomy community, but, as one New York Times article stated, “ushered in a Copernican-scale change in cosmic consciousness.”  

“Into the Void” follows Vera during her time at Cornell University, where she works with her advisors, including the legendary Dr. Richard Feynman, to prepare for the presentation of her latest research before the American Astronomical Society. Having just had her first child, Vera works to balance motherhood with her studies. When her babysitting plans fall short the day of her big presentation, Vera reluctantly brings her baby along with her, much to the dismay of the AAS committee.

Confident in her research, Vera is shocked when the committee rejects her research and even goes as far as assuming that she had someone complete her work, as women have restricted access to the laboratories. Ultimately the presentation’s fallout tests Vera’s intelligence, courage, and most importantly, her ideas of what it means to be a woman in “a man’s world.”

With doors closing around her, Vera has to fight to continue her pursuit of knowledge past the stars and planets in order to continue the work that she so vehemently loves.

“Into the Void” captures this moment, and her fight to be heard.

This is more than a film about a scientist. This is a film for the trailblazers. The free-thinkers. The women who persist each and every day. Vera’s story is for all of us.

Vera is more than a scientific influence — she’s an icon for women, and for those who have struggled to break through their own glass ceilings. As female filmmakers, we’ve felt the same struggles and sought the same determination that fueled Vera and thousands of other women across time and industry. We see ourselves reflected in her story and it is our hope that as we continue to work on this film, others will feel the same connection as we have to her journey.

In this current social climate, it’s more important than ever that stories like Vera’s are told, and we are incredibly passionate about the opportunity to bring her important story to life. With this film, we know that Vera and her work can have the ability to reach a new generation of aspiring women, scientists, and filmmakers who hope to follow in her footsteps and dream big.

“Into the Void” is a fully authentic period piece, set in 1950, shooting in the NYC area this winter. We’ve put together an amazing and experienced crew to recreate this classic and vivid world, but we need your help to bring Vera’s story to life. Because we are fully invested in our vision, much of our budget will go to helping the Art Department build this unique world for us to set the story in.

Earlier this year we were so fortunate to receive support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation while developing the project at Columbia University. The Sloan Foundation believes in our vision, and we hope that you’ll join them with us on this one-of-a-kind experience.

Yossera Bouchtia (Director, Co-Writer) is a Moroccan-American filmmaker whose approach to storytelling aims to shed light on underrepresented voices. Her film work has explored the role of culture in shaping identity and has been featured in The Huffington Post, Jezebel, and Morocco World News. She's also been credited for editing “Skinningrove” a short film which won the Sundance 2013 Short Film Jury Award for Non-Fiction. Currently, Yossera teaches cinema at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts.

Ciara Doll (Producer, Co-Writer)  is a producer based in New York City. She has worked on over twenty short films, two feature films, and an extensive, multimedia immersive theater experience. The films she’s produced have screened at multiple festivals in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Cannes, France. In addition to her time  on set, she has served as an assistant to director David Anspaugh (Hoosiers, Rudy) collaborated with actor/director Robby Benson (Beauty and the Beast, TV’s Friends) and worked in development for Mike Medavoy at Phoenix Pictures and Heidi Jo Markel and Avi Lerner at Eclectic Pictures. When she isn’t on set, she works for the talent management agency Circle of Confusion, and is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Producing at Columbia University’s School of the Arts.

Making a period film can present some unique challenges, and we have numerous moving parts that add to the complexity of filmmaking, such as having an infant on set, scenes with multiple extras, and of course, the ultimate challenge of accurately portraying both the people and culture of the era. We’ll have quite a large set and for scenes taking place inside the Rubin home, some rooms on location will require a complete redressing to match the look and feel of what a typical home would have looked like in 1950.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s generous production grant has given us the security of having a majority of our budget covered — making the additional risks minimal. We’ve worked with multiple scientists at Columbia University to ensure that the scientific information in the film is accurate, and we’re working with experienced and professional cast and crew, keeping the production in the best hands.

We've never felt so strongly about a story such as Vera’s, and we hope that you’ll connect and fall in love with her spirit as much as we have. We’d love for you to come along with us into the fantastic world of filmmaking, and in addition to our unwavering gratitude, we’ve got some wonderful incentives that we hope you’ll enjoy!

If you’ve fallen in love with Vera as much as we have, but aren’t able to assist financially (or if you wish to go above and beyond your donation!) here are some additional ideas:

• Spread the word! Visit our website, social media outlets, and official crowdfunding page and share them with your family and friends! Tell others about “Into the Void”!
• If you live in NYC or the surrounding area and want to contribute tangible items such as 1949/1950 props, furniture, or wardrobe pieces, we’d be so appreciative and happy for your help!
• Know a local business in the NYC area interested in sponsorships? We’d love to meet them! Be it catering, transportation vehicles, production materials (space heaters, generators, etc.), or anything else, any generosity will go a long way for our incredibly thankful team.