Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation have announced the completion of filming for the short film Boatlift 9/11, which recounts the largest maritime evacuation in U.S. history that occurred during the September 11, 2001 attacks. The production, filmed on location in Wilmington, North Carolina and Manhattan, is currently in post-production and expected to be finished by mid-June 2026.
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. These early screenings will provide audiences with their first opportunity to view the film before its official red-carpet premiere on September 11 at the historic Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the attacks. More information about the film can be found at Boatlift911.com.
Inspired by Jessica Dulong's book Saved at the Seawall, Boatlift 9/11 tells the true story of the spontaneous civilian-led evacuation that unfolded on New York's waterways after the attacks. As traditional evacuation routes from Lower Manhattan became inaccessible, 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 is produced by Suzanne DeLaurentiis and Nathan Samdahl, directed and produced by Dale Fabrigar, and written by Tricia Aurand. It stars Sofia Helin, known for The Bridge and Atlantic Crossing, Preslea Elliott from Killers of the Flower Moon, and Hank Northrop of Days of Our Lives and Criminal Minds fame. Additional production details are available through SuzanneDeLaurentiisProduction.com.
Beyond honoring the heroism and unity displayed during the evacuation, 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 this awareness mission, the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation and executive director Nicole Mendez have joined the initiative to help amplify community engagement surrounding the project's message of remembrance, resilience, and ongoing health advocacy. The foundation's work can be explored further at MNITF.org.
As the 25th anniversary of September 11 approaches, Boatlift 9/11 aims to memorialize an unprecedented rescue effort while honoring the courage and compassion of those who responded during a national crisis. The film's dual focus on historical documentation and contemporary health advocacy creates a comprehensive narrative that acknowledges both immediate heroism and long-term consequences, making it particularly relevant for audiences seeking to understand the full scope of 9/11's impact on individuals and communities.
