Short film Boatlift 9/11 recounts the largest maritime evacuation in U.S. history, with early Hollywood screenings scheduled this June ahead of a September 11 premiere.
LOS ANGELES, CA, March 14, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions and the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) announce that filming has officially wrapped on the upcoming short film Boatlift 9/11, which recounts the extraordinary civilian-led rescue that became the largest maritime evacuation in U.S. history.
The production 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. These early screenings will give audiences a first look at the film before its official red-carpet premiere on September 11, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Inspired by Saved at the Seawall by Jessica Dulong, Boatlift 9/11 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. As Lower Manhattan was cut off from traditional evacuation routes, 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.
"It was a long journey to get this film made," said producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis. "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."
The film is produced by Suzanne DeLaurentiis and Nathan Samdahl, directed and produced by Dale Fabrigar, and written by Tricia Aurand.
Boatlift 9/11 stars Sofia Helin (The Bridge, Atlantic Crossing), Preslea Elliott (Killers of the Flower Moon), and Hank Northrop (Days of Our Lives, Criminal Minds).
Beyond honoring the heroism and unity of that day, the film also draws attention to the long-term health consequences faced by many 9/11 survivors. Thousands later developed serious illnesses—including respiratory conditions, cancers, and kidney disease—linked to prolonged exposure to toxic debris and air contamination following the attacks.
In support of that broader awareness mission, the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) and executive director Nicole Mendez have joined the initiative to help amplify community engagement and awareness surrounding the project's message of remembrance, resilience, and ongoing health advocacy.
As the 25th anniversary of September 11 approaches, Boatlift 9/11 aims not only to 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.
Follow Boatlift 9/11 on Social Media:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/boatlift911
Instagram: https://instagram.com/boatlift911
For more information, please visit:
Boatlift911.com
SuzanneDeLaurentiisProduction.com
MNITF.org
Media Contact:
Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions
Phone: 310-801-3675
Email: delaurentiisllc@gmail.com
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by https://www.24-7pressrelease.com
