Today marks the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, the deadliest terrorist attack in US history. Each year, a powerful documentary about the tragic events is revisited, capturing the intense emotions and chaos of that day.
Since September 11, 2001, numerous documentaries have been released, offering fresh perspectives on al-Qaeda’s coordinated suicide attacks on America.
However, a documentary from 2002 by Jules and Gedeon Naudet remains the most compelling and comprehensive portrayal, prompting annual viewings.
The two-hour film, titled 9/11, is not currently available on streaming services. Nevertheless, it can be found on YouTube uploaded by DepositionsandStuff, where it has garnered over 687,000 views.
Watch the documentary on YouTube
The Filmmakers’ Commemorative Edition of 9/11 is also available for purchase on Amazon Prime.
The reason for its lasting impact lies in the unique access the Naudet brothers had to the events as they unfolded. Jules and Gedeon had been living in the US since 1989, becoming citizens in 1999, and were able to document the attacks on the World Trade Center in real-time.
On September 11, they were slated to film a documentary on Engine 7, Ladder 1 firehouse in Lower Manhattan, a team vital to the Twin Towers rescue mission.
While Jules followed Battalion Chief Joseph Pfeifer and other firefighters on a call near the World Trade Center, Gedeon remained at the firehouse.
Upon hearing a loud noise, Jules captured the moment American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower, providing some of the most poignant footage from the day.
Jules and Gedeon Naudet were filming a different documentary when the attacks occurred
He documented the shock of people on the street, as well as events surrounding the attack and scenes from inside the building.
After the crash, Gedeon rushed to the site in search of his brother, entering the North Tower just before the South Tower collapsed.
According to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, “Once outside, Gedeon used the light from his camera to navigate through the thick dust. He helped an injured man and returned to the firehouse, anxious for news of Jules.”
“Two and a half hours later, they were reunited.”
The brothers transformed their experiences into the documentary, which follows NYC firefighters deep into Ground Zero.
The synopsis states, “What emerged is an unforgettably powerful visual document and a stirring tribute to real-life heroes who, in their city’s darkest hour, rose to extraordinary acts of courage and compassion.”
Each year on this anniversary, 9/11 is deemed essential viewing. One comment on Reddit noted the significance of the film, stating, “This documentary filmed by French brothers Jules and Gedeon Naudet was originally intended to follow a rookie NY firefighter… It remains the only footage recorded inside the WTC on that day.”
The documentary has profoundly impacted many, including a first responder who worked at Ground Zero. They shared, “After returning home from New York City and working at Ground Zero, I couldn’t watch or hear any footage of the attack. Whenever it aired on TV, I felt light-headed and dizzy.”
“I made myself watch this documentary a few months after the attacks, and it helped me confront my PTSD and find a way to function.”
Another viewer cautioned, “This is an excellent documentary, but it certainly contains very distressing scenes.”
“One remarkable aspect of it is that it began as a documentary about a rookie firefighter and evolved into an unforeseen narrative.”
A fourth viewer remarked, “The sound of the people who jumped hitting the ground is one of the most chilling experiences I’ve ever had.”
The documentary received the accolade of Outstanding Non-Fiction Special (Informational) at the 54th Emmy Awards.
Moreover, the camera used by Jules and Gedeon to capture these crucial moments is now displayed at the National Museum of American History.
For more documentary insights, readers can explore additional notable films in this genre.
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