Boatlift 9/11 Wraps Filming, Screenings Set for June in Hollywood Ahead of September 11 Premiere

Short film recounts the largest maritime evacuation in U.S. history on 9/11

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:56am

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The short film "Boatlift 9/11" has wrapped filming, with early public screenings scheduled for June in Hollywood before the official premiere on September 11, 2026 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The film tells the remarkable true story of the spontaneous evacuation that unfolded on New York's waterways in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, when an impromptu fleet of ferries, tugboats, fishing vessels, and private boats mobilized to transport hundreds of thousands of stranded people across New York Harbor to safety.

Why it matters

The film not only honors the heroism and unity of that day, but also draws attention to the long-term health consequences faced by many 9/11 survivors who developed serious illnesses linked to exposure to toxic debris and air contamination following the attacks. The Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation has joined the initiative to help amplify community engagement and awareness surrounding the project's message of remembrance, resilience, and ongoing health advocacy.

The details

Boatlift 9/11 was filmed on location in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Manhattan, capturing the atmosphere and urgency of the events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. The film is currently in post-production and is expected to be completed in mid-June 2026. To mark the completion of the film, the production team will host a special screening week with free public showings from June 12 through June 18 at Cinelounge on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, giving audiences a first look at the film before its official red-carpet premiere on September 11.

  • Filming for Boatlift 9/11 has officially wrapped.
  • The film is expected to be completed in mid-June 2026.
  • The production team will host a special screening week from June 12 through June 18 at Cinelounge on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.
  • The official red-carpet premiere of Boatlift 9/11 will be held on September 11, 2026, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The players

Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions

The production company behind Boatlift 9/11.

Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF)

The organization that has joined the initiative to help amplify community engagement and awareness surrounding the project's message of remembrance, resilience, and ongoing health advocacy.

Suzanne DeLaurentiis

The producer of Boatlift 9/11.

Dale Fabrigar

The director and producer of Boatlift 9/11.

Jessica Dulong

The author of the book "Saved at the Seawall", which inspired the film Boatlift 9/11.

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What they’re saying

“It was a long journey to get this film made. We felt it was important to recognize the brave first responders, mariners, and civilians who helped rescue over 500,000 people from the seawall when the Twin Towers collapsed.”

— Suzanne DeLaurentiis, Producer (midvalejournal.com)

What’s next

The official red-carpet premiere of Boatlift 9/11 will be held on September 11, 2026, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The takeaway

Boatlift 9/11 aims to not only memorialize an unprecedented rescue effort, but also to honor the courage and compassion of the people who stepped forward when their city—and their country—needed them most, while also raising awareness about the long-term health consequences faced by many 9/11 survivors.