New Yorkers were changed completely by 9/11. Five years later, the emotions are still raw at times. While it is important to never forget September 11, it can still be difficult to remember too vividly.
United 93, Saint of 9/11, and Heart of Steel are three films that offer different perspectives on the 9/11 tragedy -- some painful, some heartbreaking, and some inspiring.
United 93
The Tribeca Film Festival's opening night film on April 25 is "United 93," which chronicles the events aboard the hijacked September 11 flight that crashed in Pennsylvania after brave passengers took on the hijackers.This film was not screened for Festival press. However, the trailer was recently pulled from a NYC movie theatre after customers complained it was too intense to watch. While most Americans would agree that it's important to recognize the heroism of the passengers on Flight 93, New Yorkers may not be ready for a Hollywood-style movie that depicts the events of September 11 for the purpose of entertainment.
On the other hand, some family members of Flight 93 passengers have spoken out in support of the film. Universal Pictures has also announced it will make a donation to the Flight 93 Memorial Fund.
Saint of 9/11
This documentary film tells the fascinating life story of Father Mychal Judge, the FDNY chaplain who died at the World Trade Center after administering last rites to a fallen firefighter. A photograph of rescue workers carrying Father Judge's body out of the wreckage of the fallen World Trade Center became an internationally-known symbol of the tragedy. But Judge was much more than a symbol of tragedy.Father Mychal Judge was a compassionate champion of the needy and suffering, who spent his life ministering to the poor and the sick. He was beloved by firefighters, nuns, government officials, best-selling authors, and practically everyone he met.
But Father Judge was also a complex human being who battled an alcohol problem and embraced his identity as a gay man. This loving tribute paints a touching portrait of a fascinating man who dedicated his life to helping others.
Heart of Steel
"Heart of Steel" is a documentary that follows a group of renegade volunteers who were driven to help in the rescue efforts following September 11.They came from New York and around the country and most were turned away and told no more volunteers were needed. But these volunteers weren't about to take no for an answer. They just walked in and started working.
These everyday people helped get much-needed boots and water to rescue workers, they coordinated supply runs through blocked-off streets, they even tracked down a truckload of gas masks and navigated government red tape to get them to Ground Zero where they were needed.
Produced in partnership with The September 11th Families Association, this inspiring film shows the impact that ordinary people can make and demonstrates how giving and compassionate human beings can be in the face of tragedy.
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