9/11 changed us, in indescribable personal ways, but also by forever altering our downtown community. As we enter our fifth Festival, we are honored to showcase a film that portrays a story of bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who dedicated their lives that day aboard United Flight 93. We are humbled to host their families, first responders and others who were most profoundly affected that day. |
A lot has happened in the world and as a country we seem to have a short term memory loss. |
On a very deeply personal level, I was anxious about it. |
Our record-number of film submissions this year reflects the growing strength of the Festival. This year's program includes a wide range of talent and perspective from around the globe. |
Sept. 11 was the most photographed event in the world. The media has shown it over and over again. Over time, artists have digested it. I think it's very important to see filmmakers' point of view. Why not now? |
The festival was basically created eight months after September 11 and it was to give our neighborhood something to look forward to and to help the renewal, and to do that you need to laugh. |
We have diverse cultures and diverse audiences coming to see films. We are working hard not to repeat ourselves and to have the festival be something that the audiences and the industry feel belongs to them. |
We're a festival that was started because of an act of war, so we have always had films and panel discussions that bring up difficult subjects. |