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Carl Sagan, a man with short dark hair in black-and-white smiling as he leans over a laboratory desk in a knit sweater.

Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff

  Nanette Burstein  |  U.S.

In 1980, on the seminal TV series Cosmos, visionary astronomer Carl Sagan made the famous claim, “The Cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” Metaphorical, poetic, and brilliant, Sagan possessed an eloquence and intelligence that made him one of the greatest science communicators ever. In this intimate portrait, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Nanette Burstein (The Kid Stays in the Picture) chronicles the personal and professional journey of a man who transformed the public’s understanding of the universe and humanity’s place within it.

With unprecedented access to his extensive personal archive, the film also explores Sagan’s cosmic love story with partner Ann Druyan and his evolution as a father, husband, and scientist. From spearheading the Voyager Golden Record to communicate with alien life to defending science and protecting our planet, Sagan’s mission remains as relevant as ever.

 English 

 98 minutes

Screenings & Events

There are currently no upcoming screenings of this film.

Media

Film Credits

  • Seth MacFarlane, Ann Druyan, Erica Huggins, Nanette Burstein
  • Tal Ben-David, Nanette Burstein
  • Tal Ben-David
  • Adam Beckman
  • Logan Nelson
  • Emily Kochman, Bryan Buckley, Hank Perlman, Carolyn Bernstein, Tim Horsburgh
  • Fuzzy Door, Hungryman, National Geographic Documentary Films

Sponsors

Documentary Program Partner

Logo: WTTW (2019)

Presented in Partnership With

logo: Adler Planetarium

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