Amid rising U.S.-Canada tensions, Windsor hosts screening of 9/11 film

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Can a documentary about the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. stir laughter, tears, and Canadian pride?

The answer is yes.

At least, that’s what Windsor-born Bill House said about “You Are Here: A Come From Away Story,” a documentary he co-produced.

The film offers a closer look at the real people behind the now world-famous story of the community of Gander, N.L., opening its arms to thousands of airline passengers and crew members stranded when U.S. airspace was closed immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

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“I think the film shows and chronicles that kindness triumphs evil,” House told the Star. “There’s something about that, that is particularly relevant at this moment.

“We all have a variety of feelings about our country and our neighbours to the south.”

The documentary was featured in a series of weekend screenings hosted by the Windsor International Film Festival highlighting the Canada-U.S. relationship — a theme that resonates more than ever amid rising tensions between the two countries.

Friday and Saturday’s screenings included a Q-and-A with House and Brian Mosher, who is a journalist and a subject of the documentary.

“I was very nervous,” House said about screening the film in his hometown. “Even though I know the film plays so well and people love it, but playing it for my hometown was really a moment.

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“It’s been really nice to be back and the folks at WIFF have just been so generous, so welcoming. It’s been a total pleasure.”

The film sets out to shine a spotlight on the real people who stepped up to comfort thousands in a time of confusion and mourning. It tells the story chronologically, following the events as they unfolded through the eyes of people who were there.

The remarkable story also inspired the hit musical “Come From Away.”

“This film shows you the power of kindness,” Mosher told the Star. “The people in my hometown gave everything they had those five days, from food — lots of food — to clothes and a place to sleep.

“They denied themselves sleep to make sure that these people that they’d never met before had what they needed. We showed them love.”

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One of the film’s highlights is a scene where a group of Newfoundland and Labradorians visit the Ground Zero memorial in New York City, and hear stories from emergency responders who were there on the day of the attack. The musical also enters the plot of the film in the final act.

“The film makes you laugh, makes you cry, and makes you feel great about being Canadian,” said House.

— With files from the Canadian Press

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