As the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks approaches, the Newfoundland town of Gander prepares a special tribute to its legendary hospitality. The community opened its doors to thousands of stranded airline passengers when U.S. airspace closed, an act of kindness that inspired the hit Broadway musical Come From Away. Now, this story receives recognition through a new 60-second Heritage Minute.

Local Filmmakers Take the Helm

Brothers Peter and Rob Blackie, founders of Elemental Pictures in Gander, lead production on the short film. Filming begins next month in the town, with a casting call for 1,000 background actors to capture the scale of the events.

“It’s funny that we feel a tremendous amount of pressure to really do a good job,” Peter Blackie said. “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.”

The video highlights Gander’s residents who provided shelter, food, and support during a national crisis for many Americans. “There’s a lot of people in Gander who did a lot of amazing things to help people in a time of great need,” Blackie noted. “It’s a lot to ask of people who don’t necessarily have set experience. But the plan is to make things really clear and simple.”

From Idea to Newfoundland Team

The project originated from a pitch by an Ontario resident to Historica Canada, the organization behind the Heritage Minutes. An initial team led by director Deanne Foley was selected, but after the original producer withdrew, the Blackie brothers stepped in. Sources indicate Historica Canada preferred a local Newfoundland team for authenticity.

Gander International Airport’s iconic lounge serves as a key filming location, symbolizing the community’s response.

Personal Ties to the Day

Peter Blackie recalls his own 9/11 experience vividly. Living in New York City as an architect, he was near the World Trade Center, struggling to reach his girlfriend amid jammed phone lines. Soon after, news spread of Gander’s role, 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 a very surreal experience, to be honest.”

The Heritage Minute is set to premiere before the 25th anniversary, preserving Gander’s legacy of compassion for future generations.