Boatlift 9/11 Film Completes Production, Sets Oscar-Qualifying Screenings Ahead of 25th Anniversary Premiere

The upcoming short film Boatlift 9/11 has officially wrapped filming and entered post-production, with completion expected by mid-June 2026. The production, which recounts the extraordinary civilian-led maritime evacuation that became the largest in U.S. history following the September 11 attacks, was filmed on location in Wilmington, North Carolina and Manhattan to capture the atmosphere and urgency of the events. To mark the film's completion, the production team will host a special Oscar-qualifying screening week with free public showings from June 12 through June 18 at Cinelounge on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, providing audiences with an early look before the official red-carpet premiere on September 11 at the historic Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

Inspired by Saved at the Seawall by Jessica Dulong, Boatlift 9/11 tells the remarkable true story of the spontaneous evacuation that unfolded on New York's waterways as Lower Manhattan was cut off from traditional evacuation routes. An impromptu fleet of ferries, tugboats, fishing vessels, and private boats mobilized to transport hundreds of thousands of stranded people across New York Harbor to safety. Producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis emphasized the importance of recognizing the brave first responders, mariners, and civilians who helped rescue over 500,000 people from the seawall when the Twin Towers collapsed. The film stars Sofia Helin, Preslea Elliott, and Hank Northrop, and is produced by Suzanne DeLaurentiis and Nathan Samdahl, directed and produced by Dale Fabrigar, and written by Tricia Aurand.

Beyond honoring the heroism and unity of that day, the film also draws attention to the long-term health consequences faced by many 9/11 survivors. Thousands later developed serious illnesses—including respiratory conditions, cancers, and kidney disease—linked to prolonged exposure to toxic debris and air contamination following the attacks. In support of that broader awareness mission, the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) and executive director Nicole Mendez have joined the initiative to help amplify community engagement and awareness surrounding the project's message of remembrance, resilience, and ongoing health advocacy. As detailed on their website at https://MNITF.org, the foundation's involvement underscores the film's dual purpose of memorializing history while advocating for those still affected by 9/11-related health issues.

As the 25th anniversary of September 11 approaches, Boatlift 9/11 aims not only to memorialize an unprecedented rescue effort but also to honor the courage and compassion of the people who stepped forward when their city—and their country—needed them most. The film's production and upcoming screenings represent a significant cultural moment, bridging historical remembrance with contemporary advocacy. For more information about the film and its production, visit https://Boatlift911.com and https://SuzanneDeLaurentiisProduction.com, which provide additional context about this commemorative project. The timing of the release, coinciding with the quarter-century milestone of the attacks, adds profound resonance to the film's exploration of both immediate heroism and lasting legacy, making it a poignant contribution to the ongoing narrative of September 11.