Pleasantville Resident’s 9/11 Documentary Gains Traction

It was only several months ago that Andrea Garbarini’s film, From the Ground Up—which follows the lives of five firefighter widows after the 9/11 terrorist attacks—had been accepted into a .

But a lot has changed since then.

The Pleasantville resident's film will not only be included in several more upcoming festivals—including the renowned Heartland and Big Bear Lake festivals—but will be aired by PBS in major markets throughout the United States.

Oprah Winfrey’s O network will be previewing the film as well.

Garbarini's husband Lieutenant Charles Garbarini was a New York City firefighter who responded to Ground Zero on 9/11 and did not return home.

Garbarini, who has funded the lion’s share of film production costs, is encouraged, and even somewhat surprised, about the film’s increased traction.

“I’m very excited it has gone as far as it has, I didn’t expect that,” she said. “It shows the positive that can come out a negative.”

Contemplating the upcoming anniversary of the attacks, Garbarini said, “It’s been 10 years and it’s a good time for reflection and looking back. Hopefully, as we move forward, we can find peaceful alternatives to our conflicts.”

Noting how difficult it is to repeatedly replay painful moments, Garbarini did find producing the film cathartic.

“The purpose of the film was for the stories to be told by us in a fair and dignified way," she said. "Reliving that day on film and going through the stories have helped myself and my children process it better."

Garbarini also noted her two sons Dylan and Philip have been very supportive of the film project.

"The world changed after 9/11, it became the new normal," she said. "We have to find ways to tolerate each other knowing there are differences everywhere."

Common ground, respect and compassion for other human beings are some of the key ideals Garbarini envisions for the future and remains optimistic that “we can survive a horrific event and still find the good.”

The film is a non-profit endeavor and profits will be distributed among several 9/11-related foundations. Although Garbarini has personally financed the majority of the filmmaking burden, additional cost coverage has been supplemented by friends, family and various fundraisers.

Garbarini hopes that with continued financial success of the film, money can be donated to an increased number of foundations as well.

And the will be helping.

JBFC s of the film on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 5:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. In fact, tickets are free and available online a first come, first serve basis. Not only will the filmmakers, George and Beth Gage, be in attendance but Garbarini and Burns’ Executive Director Steve Apkon will also participate in a Q&A session after the film. Copies of the film will also be available for purchase.

I’m very honored for it to be at the Burns Center,” said Garbarini, who plans to continue hosting fundraisers for the film and distribute it internationally.

See here to learn more about "From the Ground Up" or to make a donation.