The Balloonists review – divas and disasters in tale of first round the world hot air balloon flight The recent documentary "The Balloonists" brings attention to Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones, who completed a nonstop round the world flight in a hot air balloon in 1999.
Their story is undeniably inspiring, but the film focuses primarily on their triumph rather than the rivalry that fueled their endeavor.
At the time, circumnavigating the globe by air was an extraordinary challenge and a symbol of status and prestige.