The community of Gander, Newfoundland, is set to pay tribute to its remarkable generosity during the 9/11 crisis with a new Heritage Minute. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when Gander opened its arms to thousands of stranded travelers as flights were grounded.
Gander’s 9/11 Tribute: A Heritage Minute Production
A unique Canadian tribute will soon be produced to honor the residents’ efforts on that fateful day. Gander brothers, Peter and Rob Blackie, from Elemental Pictures, will bring this poignant story to life. The 60-second video aims to encapsulate the spirit of the community and the overwhelming kindness shown to those in need.
Behind the Scenes: The Production Team
- The Blackie brothers are experienced filmmakers, but they feel a special responsibility for this project.
- Peter Blackie expressed the challenge of effectively conveying such an impactful story.
- The filming is scheduled for next month, with a callout for 1,000 background actors from Gander itself.
Peter remarked on the significant role that Gander residents played during a national crisis, emphasizing the importance of accurately depicting their actions. “There’s a lot of people in Gander who did a lot of amazing things to help people in a time of great need,” he stated.
Historical Context and Production Journey
The Heritage Minute aims to air just before the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The original proposal for the Heritage Minute came from a resident in Ontario, wanting to highlight Gander’s role on that day. Initially, another team was slated for production but, after a change in producers, the Blackies were called upon to take over.
Historica Canada, the organization behind the short videos, sought a Newfoundland-based team for this important tribute. The Blackie brothers were honored to be chosen, as they understand the local significance of these events.
A Personal Connection
Peter Blackie recalls his own experience during the 9/11 attacks. He was in New York City and experienced the chaos firsthand, while hearing about Gander’s efforts to assist stranded passengers. A Lufthansa flight made an emergency landing in his hometown, where residents offered their homes to those affected.
“It was a weird experience for me to be from the town that had this really unusual role in the events of that day,” Peter reflected on that surreal time.
As the Gander community prepares for this tribute, the Heritage Minute represents not just a film project, but a heartfelt acknowledgment of humanity during a moment of crisis.
