As the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks approaches, the Newfoundland town of Gander receives a special Canadian tribute for its extraordinary hospitality toward thousands of stranded airline passengers.
Gander’s Historic Role on 9/11
On September 11, 2001, when all North American flights were grounded following the terrorist attacks, Gander opened its arms to over 6,000 unexpected visitors. Local residents provided shelter, food, and comfort in a display of compassion that inspired the hit Broadway musical Come From Away.
Local Filmmakers Take on Heritage Minute Project
Gander brothers Peter and Rob Blackie, founders of Elemental Pictures, are producing a 60-second Heritage Minute to capture this story. Filming is set for next month in the community, with a casting call for 1,000 background actors.
“It’s funny that we feel a tremendous amount of pressure to really do a good job,” Peter Blackie stated. “We always feel that with all of our projects. But this is now in front of the hometown crowd, and it’s a big responsibility to tell a story that is as impactful as this one.”
Blackie emphasized the town’s collective efforts: “There’s a lot of people in Gander who did a lot of amazing things to help people in a time of great need, and certainly for all of the Americans involved, a time of personal and national crisis.” He assured participants that the process will remain straightforward despite their lack of acting experience.
Behind the Production
The Blackie brothers, experienced in larger-scale projects, stepped in after an initial team faced setbacks. Historica Canada, the organization behind the Heritage Minutes, prioritized a Newfoundland-based crew for authenticity. The video will feature Gander International Airport’s iconic lounge and premiere ahead of the 25th anniversary.
The project originated from a suggestion by an Ontario resident who encouraged the brothers to pitch the idea.
Personal Connection to the Events
Peter Blackie recalls his own 9/11 experience vividly. Working as an architect in New York City, he was at home near the World Trade Center, desperately trying to reach his girlfriend amid jammed phone lines.
Soon after, news spread of Gander’s response, including hosting passengers from a Lufthansa flight in local homes. “It was a weird experience for me to be from the town that had this really unusual role in the events of that day,” Blackie reflected. “So it was kind of, yeah, a very surreal experience to be honest.”
