Brooklyn Public Library will host the New York premiere of 9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero on Sept. 10, bringing a documentary about the rebuilding of Ground Zero and the role of public participation in shaping the site to its Central Library.
The screening will begin at 7:00pm at the Dweck Center and will be followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmaker Josh Sabey, AmericaSpeaks founder Carolyn Lukensmeyer and NYC Civic Engagement Commission Chair and Executive Director Dr. Sarah Sayeed.
New York Times architecture critic Michael Kimmelman will moderate the conversation. BPL’s event listing confirms the screening and discussion as part of its BPL Presents programming.
“This film tells the story of 5,000 New Yorkers who had every reason to be divided, but found a way to listen to one another and build something together,” said filmmaker Josh Sabey. “It’s a lesson for today. After 9/11, New Yorkers had to figure out not only how to rebuild, but how to rebuild together. Twenty-five years later, we need to learn how to do that again.”
The film revisits Listening to the City, a 2002 public forum that brought more than 5,000 New Yorkers together to consider how Ground Zero should be rebuilt after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Participants were presented with six proposals but pushed beyond those plans to develop a broader vision for the site, influencing aspects of the design that exists today.
The screening gives Brooklyn residents an opportunity to revisit a pivotal moment in New York City history while considering how public participation can shape major decisions affecting communities. The event also comes as the city marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Lukensmeyer helped design Listening to the City and has worked on democratic innovation and public engagement. Sabey, co-founder of Matters Media, directed the documentary and has also worked on American Tragedy, The Basement Talks and Blue Baby.
Sayeed leads the NYC Civic Engagement Commission's efforts to strengthen civic participation and public engagement.
The screening and panel are scheduled for Sept. 10 at 7:00pm at Central Library's Dweck Center. Residents can find event details through Brooklyn Public Library's online calendar.
