Actress and filmmaker Jennifer Gargano's 9/11-inspired short feature is an ensemble narrative (almost bereft of background music) that begins on September 10, 2001, and cuts between a multicultural assortment of New Yorkers and NYC visitors whose lives will be forever shaken (or lost) during the coordinated terrorist attacks of the next morning. The characters include a happy young wife, newly pregnant; a visiting Japanese businessman; an FDNY fireman; a Muslim-immigrant cashier; a reluctant intern beginning his first day at a brokerage; upscale executives; and the browbeaten World Trade Center maintenance staff (none directly based on real-life individuals, according to the credits disclaimer). The disaster is effectively re-created through quick cuts to news footage and sparse special effects, but the real intent here is to illustrate the emotional trauma inflicted on innocent families. At least part of Gargano's motivation is to direct attention towards Tuesday's Children, a nonprofit organization offering medical and psychiatric care and counseling to families ripped apart by 9/11 (extras include a short promo documentary on the group). A heartfelt effort, this is recommended. Aud: P. (C. Cassady)
8:46
(2011) 55 min. DVD: $14.99. Virgil Films (avail. from most distributors). Volume 27, Issue 6
8:46
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