Arrow Pictures’ feature-length documentary Generation 9/11, which takes a unique look at the impact of the 9/11 tragedy on its 20th anniversary, has attracted global interest prior to its transmission.
The range of deals, delivered by distribution partner PBS International, takes the show to every corner of the globe. Territories include: Spain (Telefonica); Estonia (ERR); Belgium (VRT); Sweden (SVT); Finland (YLE); Canada (SRC); Australia (SBS); Italy (La7); Middle East & North Africa (Alhurra); Denmark (DR); Brazil (Globo); UK (Channel 4); France & Germany (ARTE France) and the US (PBS).
An estimated 108 children were in their mother’s womb when they lost their fathers in the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. Generation 9/11, a 3-way commission from PBS, ARTE France and Channel 4, is an intimate film telling the stories of their children, born in the wake of their deaths. The film receives its UK premiere on Channel 4 (where it will be broadcast as Children of 9/11: Our Story) on Monday 16 August. On 31 August it will receive its US premiere on PBS, with ARTE France premiering in France and Germany (where it will be broadcast as Children of 9/11) on the same day.
This two-hour film follows its protagonists on their personal journey over the last 20 years using a combination of new footage, family photos and home archives. Generation 9/11 documents what’s happened to this unique group of teenagers and their families in the 20 years following al-Qaeda’s assault. Whilst the film weaves together shared chapters of the lives of these children - their first day of school; the first time the absence of their father was felt; the moment they learned how their father died - it also serves as a lens to look at the broader world. It follows in the footsteps of a range of 9/11 films for which John Smithson has been responsible, including the Emmy-nominated 9/11: Phone Calls From The Towers (1 x 90 for Channel 4) and the BAFTA-nominated 9/11: The Falling Man (1x 90 for Channel 4/Discovery Channel). Generation 9/11 is directed by award-winning Liz Mermin whose films include First Ladies, detailed portraits of Michelle Obama and Nancy Reagan for CNN; and The Beauty Academy of Kabul for BBC Storyville.
John Smithson, Executive Producer and Creative Director, Arrow Pictures, says: “9/11 is an event that reverberated around the world, having ramifications for many, far from the Twin Towers in New York, and for many years to come. None were affected more so than the contributors in our film whose lives will forever be shaped by the events that day.
“The result of a creative collaboration between Arrow Pictures and three leading broadcasters, and a huge research project, this film holds up a unique lens on the impact of these events. We are delighted with the global interest in the stories of these children who have all been uniquely shaped by the tragedy.”
Tom Koch, VP of Co-Productions, PBS International, adds: “PBS International is proud to represent this profound film, which thoughtfully introduces a unique perspective on the events of 9/11”.
Joseph Barrett, VP of Sales, PBS International: “Generation 9/11 is unlike any film we’ve seen on this topic, and we are honored to distribute it internationally on the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks”.
Generation 9/11 was commissioned by Bill Gardner, VP of Programming and Development at PBS; Mark Edwards, Commissioning Editor of International Co-pros at ARTE France; and Sacha Mirzoeff, Factual Commissioner at Channel 4. An Arrow Pictures production, Generation 9/11 is Exec Produced by Lucie Ridout. The Creative Director is John Smithson.