Filming has concluded for the upcoming short film 'Boatlift 9/11,' which depicts the largest maritime evacuation in U.S. history that occurred during the September 11, 2001, attacks. The production, shot on location in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Manhattan, is now in post-production and scheduled for completion in mid-June 2026. To celebrate the film's completion, the production team will host a special screening week with free public showings from June 12 through June 18 at Cinelounge on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. These early viewings will offer audiences a preview before the film's official red-carpet premiere on September 11, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
The film is inspired by the book 'Saved at the Seawall' by Jessica Dulong and recounts the spontaneous evacuation where an impromptu fleet of vessels transported hundreds of thousands of stranded people from Lower Manhattan to safety. Producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis emphasized the importance of recognizing the brave individuals involved in the rescue. "We felt it was important to recognize the brave first responders, mariners, and civilians who helped rescue over 500,000 people from the seawall when the Twin Towers collapsed," DeLaurentiis said. The film stars Sofia Helin, Preslea Elliott, and Hank Northrop, and is produced by Suzanne DeLaurentiis and Nathan Samdahl, with Dale Fabrigar directing and producing and Tricia Aurand writing.
Beyond commemorating the heroism of that day, the film also aims to raise awareness about the long-term health consequences faced by many 9/11 survivors, including respiratory conditions, cancers, and kidney disease linked to toxic debris exposure. In support of this mission, the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) and its executive director Nicole Mendez have joined the project to amplify community engagement around remembrance, resilience, and health advocacy. For more details, visit Boatlift911.com, SuzanneDeLaurentiisProduction.com, or MNITF.org.
As the 25th anniversary approaches, 'Boatlift 9/11' seeks to honor the courage and compassion shown during the rescue while drawing attention to the ongoing challenges survivors face, ensuring the legacy of that day is remembered with both historical accuracy and contemporary relevance. The film's timing coincides with growing recognition of the health impacts on 9/11 survivors, making it a significant cultural document that bridges historical commemoration with current advocacy efforts. By focusing on both the immediate rescue operation and the long-term consequences, the project serves as a reminder that the effects of September 11 continue to unfold decades later.
