Hollywood star John Travolta has dedicated his directorial debut, Propeller: One-Way Night Coach, to his late wife Kelly Preston and their son Jett Travolta.
Speaking to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Travolta said his family served as the inspiration behind the film, which is based on a book he originally published in 1997.
“They are the model from which this film was born,” Travolta said. Reflecting on the personal tragedies he has faced, the actor added, “Life has certainly tested me, but my nature is to look for the positive, even in the face of the worst. I can look at the darkness, but I don’t choose to stay there.”
Kelly Preston died in 2020 at the age of 57 after a private two-year battle with breast cancer. She and Travolta had been married for nearly 29 years, having tied the knot in September 1991.
The couple shared three children: Ella Bleu, Benjamin, and Jett. Their eldest son, Jett, died in 2009 at the age of 16 after suffering a seizure while the family was on holiday in the Bahamas. Jett had autism, asthma, and Kawasaki syndrome.
Travolta wrote, directed, narrated, and starred in Propeller: One-Way Night Coach, a semi-autobiographical film that pays tribute to his family. His daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta, also appears in the project.
According to IMDb, the 61-minute film follows a young aviation enthusiast named Jeff and his mother on a cross-country flight to Hollywood that turns into a life-changing adventure.
The actor recently celebrated the film’s success on Instagram after it reached the number one spot on Apple TV’s Top 10 movie chart.
Travolta also returned to the Cannes Film Festival for the film’s premiere, accompanied by his daughter Ella Bleu. Expressing his gratitude, he said, “I’m really proud of it. I have to thank you because it’s all because of you.”
The film reportedly received a standing ovation at Cannes, while fellow celebrities including Tommy Lee and Goldie Hawn congratulated Travolta on the achievement.
The project marks a deeply personal milestone in Travolta’s career, blending his passion for storytelling with a heartfelt tribute to the family members he has lost.