Answering the Call: Ground Zero's Volunteers 2005

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Lou Angeli was brewing his coffee when the devastating news of the World Trade Center attack flashed across his television screen. Shortly after, he received orders to head to New York City, assuming a dual role: a first responder firefighter and a producer of disaster training films. Over the next 16 days and nights, he captured footage at the “Ground Zero” site. This unique position placed him in a moral quandary: should he focus on his duties as a firefighter, or prioritize documenting this historic tragedy? As the only authorized videographer within the yellow tape perimeter, Lou Angeli found himself tasked with balancing both responsibilities.

As a seasoned volunteer firefighter and filmmaker, Angeli aimed to depict the raw reality of Ground Zero through the eyes of the rescue and recovery workers. He sought not only to illustrate the physical and emotional toll these brave men and women endured but also to showcase the impressive spirit of cooperation and compassion that prevailed among them. Through interviews conducted for this documentary, many shared Angeli’s belief that the solidarity displayed by volunteers at Ground Zero was unparalleled in the nation’s history. Numerous rescue workers continuously labored for more than 24 hours straight, often returning for weeks on their days off.

The efforts of firefighters, urban search and rescue teams, welders, construction professionals, and even rescue dogs and their handlers went well beyond job expectations. They committed hundreds of volunteer hours to locate survivors, and later transitioned to recovery efforts. While their relentless dedication couldn’t save all the victims of that tragic day, it allowed countless families to achieve closure. Angeli also recognized the significant impact thousands of volunteers had on the scene, tirelessly delivering essential supplies, food, and emotional support to the rescue and recovery workers—those unsung heroes of Ground Zero.

Though Angeli hesitated to release this sensitive footage due to the emotional scars inflicted upon the American public, in 2004, he was encouraged by fellow filmmakers to turn this raw footage into a compelling narrative; one that pays homage to the fallen, remembers the heroes, and imparts vital lessons. The moment felt right, and Chesca Media Group, led by Executive Producer Patricia Olesky, stepped in to bring the project to life. With Lou Angeli, a dedicated 20-year volunteer firefighter and filmmaker, and Bunny Dubin, a humanitarian and veteran volunteer, at the helm, Answering the Call came into existence. Both Angeli and Dubin contributed their experiences at Ground Zero; Angeli worked directly with the rescue teams, while Dubin coordinated various volunteers supporting their efforts. Interestingly, although they met after the events, they discovered their complementary missions in 2004, leading to a richer portrayal of both rescue and support volunteers.

Answering the Call: Ground Zero’s Volunteers opens by reflecting on the horrifying events and the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11. With the first 24 hours serving as a backdrop, the film intertwines narratives of both rescue and support volunteers, creating a distinctive energy and identity. The stories narrated illustrate the remarkable strength of the human spirit amid unimaginable tragedy. “We were all a brother and a sister at Ground Zero,” recalls one participant. Angeli and Dubin endeavored to capture a diverse range of individuals who contributed to the rescue and recovery efforts, securing interviews that not only unearthed new angles but also highlighted various volunteer types crucial to the undertaking. Some individuals reflected on their experiences for the first time, having formed familial bonds with those they would never see again beyond the perimeter.

The film delves into personal reflections on the lessons learned from the Ground Zero experience. As it draws to a close, viewers are presented with a powerful montage of inspiring words and images that honor the victims and volunteers of 9/11, ultimately encouraging others to take part in volunteer efforts.