The production of Boatlift 9/11, a short film recounting the civilian-led maritime evacuation that rescued over 500,000 people from Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001, has officially completed filming. Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation announced the film is now in post-production and will be finished by mid-June 2026.
The film, inspired by Jessica Dulong's book Saved at the Seawall, tells the story of the spontaneous fleet of ferries, tugboats, fishing vessels, and private boats that mobilized when traditional evacuation routes were cut off after the Twin Towers collapsed. Producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis emphasized the importance of recognizing the brave first responders, mariners, and civilians who participated in what became the largest maritime evacuation in U.S. history.
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 a first 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.
Beyond memorializing the rescue effort, Boatlift 9/11 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. The Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation 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.
The film stars Sofia Helin, Preslea Elliott, and Hank Northrop, and was produced by Suzanne DeLaurentiis and Nathan Samdahl, directed and produced by Dale Fabrigar, and written by Tricia Aurand. Filming took place on location in Wilmington, North Carolina and Manhattan to capture the atmosphere and urgency of the events. For more information about the film, visit Boatlift911.com or SuzanneDeLaurentiisProduction.com. The Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation's involvement can be explored at MNITF.org.
As the 25th anniversary of September 11 approaches, Boatlift 9/11 aims to honor both the unprecedented rescue effort and the courage and compassion of those who responded during the crisis, while also raising awareness about the continuing health challenges faced by survivors of the attacks.
