Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, 2001, Americans still remember where they were, what they saw, and how they felt as the nation was suddenly under attack. A new documentary wants to show audiences something else to remember: the extraordinary courage, compassion, and selflessness that came out of that tragic day.
Award-winning filmmaker, Michael Gier, spent years researching stories of unexpected hope and resilience for his documentary, The Heroism and Resiliency of 9-11: From Tragedy to Triumph.
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“I really want to focus on the positive things that came from 9/11, despite the tragedy,” Gier told the Washington Examiner. “I want to find and research stories that people haven’t heard before, and make this a film that really inspires.”
The documentary follows people whose lives were permanently changed by 9/11 — individuals who responded to the attacks by choosing lives of service, sacrifice, and purpose. Gier hopes the film will raise awareness for The 9/11 Legacy Foundation, which “is dedicated to ensuring that the memory of September 11 and its enduring impact are preserved through education, storytelling and commemoration.”
One organization highlighted in the film, New York Says Thank You, grew out of New Yorkers’ desire to repay the communities across the country that came to their aid following the attacks.
“New York being so thankful for all the help they received from all over the country, that these New Yorkers now wanted to go back and help the country,” Gier said. “New Yorkers would show up and say, ‘We’re going to help you and rebuild because you were there for us. We’re now going to have your back.’ What an amazing story.”
The documentary is narrated by actor Gary Sinise, whose own direction in life was profoundly affected by the attacks and ultimately inspired the creation of his foundation to support veterans, first responders, and their families. Gier used archival footage, interviews, and reenactments to bring the stories to life.
“We built a whole set,” Gier said, describing the production. “Reenactments for the Flight 93 airplane — passengers fighting back against the terrorists, which was the beginning of the war on terror. They fought back, and they won. That plane did not get where it was supposed to go. That’s an inspirational story.”
Gier acknowledges there are countless documentaries on 9/11 out there. One of his biggest concerns about making the film was the worry that viewers may be apprehensive about watching “another depressing 9/11 film.”
“I’m afraid people are going to say, I know it’s the 25th, but it’s a 9/11 film. I’ve seen it before. I don’t want to be depressed,” Gier said.
He wants the viewers to know this film will leave them feeling the exact opposite.
“Every single person said, ‘I was so inspired. It filled me with hope,’” Gier said. “And in tears, they give me a hug and say thank you. This film is going to educate you. It’s going to tell you stories you’ve never heard. It’s going to inspire you. You’re going to feel good after the film. You’re going to go, ‘Yeah, America.’”
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Gier hopes the documentary can offer audiences more than a reminder of the destruction caused by the attacks. In a moment of tremendous loss, ordinary people performed extraordinary acts of courage, Americans selflessly served strangers in need, and communities refused to let tragedy have the final word.
The Heroism and Resiliency of 9-11: From Tragedy to Triumph has won five Best Documentary awards so far and is available on Amazon Prime Video, Google TV, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies.
