Certificate Programme in Space Documentary Policy
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Jane Smith, the lead instructor for the Certificate Programme in Space Documentary Policy. Dr. Smith, could you please share a bit about your background and what led you to create this unique course? GUEST: Thanks for having me! I've spent over two decades working in both space policy and documentary filmmaking, and I noticed a gap in understanding about how these two fields intersect. I wanted to create a course that would explore these connections and their ethical implications. HOST: That's fascinating! Could you tell us more about the ethical and policy aspects of space documentaries? How do they shape public perception? GUEST: Absolutely. Space documentaries often depict complex issues in simplified ways, which can unintentionally skew public opinion on space policy. In our course, we delve into the ethical considerations of storytelling techniques and discuss the importance of balancing accuracy with entertainment. HOST: Very interesting. As someone who's both an industry expert and an educator, what current trends do you see in space documentary policy? GUEST: One trend is the growing interest in commercial space endeavors, such as space tourism and asteroid mining. These emerging areas present new challenges for filmmakers and policymakers alike, requiring a nuanced understanding of the legal and ethical landscape. HOST: Speaking of challenges, what obstacles have you encountered in teaching this subject, and how do you address them? GUEST: A key challenge is helping students grasp the intricacies of space policy while also teaching them the art of storytelling. We tackle this by inviting industry professionals to share their experiences and providing hands-on opportunities for students to develop their own space documentary proposals. HOST: That sounds like a valuable learning experience. Finally, where do you see the future of space documentary policy heading? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see a rise in space-themed documentaries, especially as private companies become more involved in space exploration. It's crucial for future filmmakers and policymakers to be well-versed in this area, and our course aims to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and giving us a sneak peek into the Certificate Programme in Space Documentary Policy. We're excited to see the impact this course will have on the next generation of space filmmakers and policymakers. GUEST: Thank you for having me! It's been a pleasure.
