Films With a Mission

September 11, 2001 was a day no one can forget – a day of sadness and loss. For some, the losses suffered were unimaginable, the sudden and unexpected death of family members, friends and co-workers. Others suffered serious injuries or lasting trauma. How can people develop the resilience they need to overcome so much loss? How can we help people impacted by life’s greatest challenges as they struggle to heal, to move on and to face the future with hope?

Project Rebirth's Peabody Award-winning film, Rebirth chronicles the journeys of five people whose lives were forever altered on that unforgettable day. We watch their initial emotions of shock, anger, and confusion gradually evolve into hope, purpose, and renewal. Their compelling stories show that healing can happen and hope can return, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Rebirth is the longest and most complete record of human beings coping with grief and traumatic loss in existence. It is a unique and remarkable tool for teaching, healing and research.

Simultaneously, the film uses time-lapse photography to follow the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site. The result is a weaving together of two remarkable stories into an extraordinary film experience.

Project Rebirth has also created a series of short films that are used in a variety of therapeutic and educational programs and a 10-minute immersive film experience, Rebirth at Ground Zero, that serves as centerpiece exhibit at the National 9/11 Museum.

Project Rebirth has evolved over time from an idea for a museum installation to a documentary film and ultimately to its current mission of creating curriculum and programs that help individuals and communities recover from grief and trauma and build resilience in the face of future challenges. Our films remain the core component of our efforts and we will continue to use them to foster hope and healing and to teach our children and their children about the resilience of the human spirit.