This Is Your Captain Speaking launches theatrical release with Laemmle premiere in Santa Monica

© Fact Not Fiction Films

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 26, 2026 — Fact Not Fiction Films today announced the US theatrical release of This Is Your Captain Speaking, a feature documentary investigating the issue of toxic cabin air on commercial aircraft. The film opens Friday, May 29, at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica for a seven day theatrical engagement running through Thursday, June 4.

Following its world premiere at the Raindance Film Festival in London and a successful international festival run, This Is Your Captain Speaking brings a decades-long investigation into aircraft cabin air contamination to American audiences. The documentary follows former British Airways captain Tristan Loraine and Australian pilot and aviation safety researcher Dr Susan Michaelis as they examine evidence surrounding toxic fume exposure aboard modern aircraft.

The film, also directed by Tristan Loraine and Sandra Skibsted, explores a long-documented aircraft design issue known within the aerospace sector since the 1950s, focusing on how cabin air can become contaminated by heated engine oils and other chemical compounds. Through expert interviews, scientific research, internal industry documents, and firsthand testimony from pilots, cabin crew, and passengers, the documentary presents an investigation into the potential health and flight safety implications linked to toxic air events.

Loraine’s investigation spans more than two decades and examines allegations of institutional secrecy surrounding the issue, including internal memos, legal disputes, undisclosed agreements, and claims of altered medical records. The documentary also highlights ongoing calls from aviation safety advocates and accident investigators for mandatory air quality monitoring systems aboard commercial aircraft.

At the center of the film are the experiences of flight crews and passengers affected by toxic fume incidents, many of whom continue to seek recognition and further scientific study into the long term effects of chemical exposure during flights. The documentary also follows efforts by Loraine and Michaelis to support the development of new medical testing methods designed to identify biomarkers linked to aircraft fume exposure.

Both Loraine and Michaelis have previously received British Citizen Awards for their work raising awareness of cabin air safety issues.

This Is Your Captain Speaking opens Friday, May 29, at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica and will screen daily through Thursday, June 4. Advance ticket booking is recommended due to limited seating availability.

Book tickets online via the Laemmle Monica Film Center.

About Fact Not Fiction Films

Founded in 2006, Fact Not Fiction Films is an award-winning production company specializing in aviation-themed films, documentaries, and socially conscious storytelling. Based in Sussex, UK, the studio has produced a number of critically acclaimed projects, including ‘A Dark Reflection’, ‘Shady Lady’, and ‘Spitfire Sisters’. The company is dedicated to creating factually accurate, high-quality productions that inform, inspire, and entertain.

Website: https://www.factnotfictionfilms.com/

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact: hq@factnotfictionfilms.com