All Our Sons

Heroism is and should be colorblind, but this sensitive and beautifully crafted 28-minute documentary offers a startling tribute to 12 forgotten heroes: African-American New York firefighters who perished in the World Trade Center on 9/11. Blessed with graceful narration by Alfre Woodard, the film visits the families of seven of the 12, who relate intimate and often heartbreaking recollections that are both inspiring and tragic. Offering individual portraits of courage and valor, the film also touches on a contentious issue that continues to plague fire departments in both New York and other major cities: the conspicuous lack of non-white firefighters. In New York, the demographic makeup of the FDNY (which is at least 95 percent white male) bears no resemblance to the city's racial mix and also has a nasty history of refusing all attempts to boost minority recruitment. The firefighters memorialized here are well-deserving of the recognition bestowed in this moving short documentary. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (P. Hall)