PROJECT REBIRTH By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
On that dreadful day in 2001, thousands of lives were affected in so many devastating ways. Much has been captured in film and on video but now on August 26th, “REBIRTH” will be released theatrically in Los Angeles and Boston. This documentary film focusing on five people who experienced and lived to tell about 9/11, will be released in New York City on August 31st and then finally broadcast on September 11th on Showtime. It was directed by Jim Whitaker, past president of motion pictures for Imagine Entertainment, producing feature films for Disney. He got his start making documentaries to raise money for nonprofit organizations and came up with this idea while touring Ground Zero after the death of his mom.
But take the events of that horrific day and concentrate on having the fortitude and strength to move on. Through Whitaker’s eyes, we see how these five individuals pick up the pieces and slowly rebuild their lives. There is no narration, no graphic images and no expert opinions. It is simply the road to recovery through the eyes of Ling Young, Tanya Villanueva Tepper, Brian Lyons, Nick Chirls and Tim Brown. You do not learn their names until the very end of the film in the credits.
Four of the characters lost someone very dear to them (best friend, mother, fiance’, brother) and manage to emotionally convey their feelings while healing and rebuilding their lives. The fifth character was actually working in the World Trade Center Tower and managed to narrowly escape and tell about it. All were able to open up to the camera in their own special way. From 2002 all the way up to 2009, we follow these brave individuals through their ups and downs of life.
“REBIRTH” originally premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January. Eventually, the film will be housed in the memorial and museum at Ground Zero.
Project REBIRTH, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, was set up to support the film and the development of pre-trauma preparation training for first responders. The organization has raised $9.4M, half of which are contributions of services and materials. The movie has been presented to therapists, academics and first responders.
To learn more, go to http://www.projectrebirth.org. It is uplifting and inspirational giving you the will to persevere for your dreams and your goals.
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