Boatlift 9/11 Releasing September 11, 2026

This article is from our Summer 2026 issue. Read the full issue here.

As the world approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a powerful new film is preparing to honor one of the most extraordinary yet lesser-known rescue efforts in American history.

Boatlift 9/11 wrapped filming this past March, marking a major milestone for a project that brings to life the largest water evacuation in history—an effort that saw over 500,000 people safely transported from Lower Manhattan in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. Inspired by true events and the book Saved at the Seawall by Jessica DuLong, the film blends historical truth with storytelling that captures the urgency, humanity, and resilience of that day.

In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, when traditional evacuation routes were cut off, an impromptu flotilla of ferries, tugboats, fishing vessels, and private boats converged on Manhattan. Without formal coordination, civilian mariners carried out a rescue mission that ultimately saved nearly half a million people. It was an extraordinary moment of unity—strangers helping strangers—yet one often overlooked in the broader narrative of 9/11.

Starring Sofia Helin, Preslea Elliott, and Hank Northrop, Boatlift 9/11 is directed by Dale Fabrigar and is executive produced by Suzanne DeLaurentiis, Andrew Carlberg, and MNITF’s Nicole Mendez.

Together, the team brings a commitment to authenticity and emotional truth, using character-driven storytelling to honor the real-life heroism at the heart of the event.

Hollywood had an early look at the film this past June and with more exclusive screenings this September, Boatlift 9/11 is expected to spark renewed conversation around this remarkable rescue.

While the evacuation itself is a story of survival, for many, the impact of that day did not end once they reached safety.

First responders, cleanup crews, and survivors were exposed to toxic dust and environmental hazards—exposures that have since been linked to a range of chronic illnesses, including kidney disease.

Partnering with Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions, MNITF is proud to co-produce this impactful film honoring the heroes of 9/11 while bringing awareness of kidney disease and cancer.

More than two decades later, those long-term health effects continue to shape the legacy of the September 11 attacks, adding another layer to a story still unfolding.

Boatlift 9/11 ultimately stands as both a tribute and a reminder—honoring the lives saved in a moment of crisis while capturing the enduring resilience of those who lived through it.

Stay up to date on all MNITF projects at MNITF.org.