Watch The Doomed Cleveland Balloonfest of '86 in New Channel | Channify

In September 1986, the city of Cleveland attempted to set a special record: the simultaneous launch of 1.5 million balloons. But fate intervened, and the result was both crazier and more tragic than anyone could have imagined. Read more: https://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/562556/cleveland-balloonfest/ "Balloonfest" is directed by Nathan Truesdell. It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.