Impressive premiere of the WTC documentary

“102 minutes that changed the world,” a documentary based on the Twin Towers bombing, opens in Latin America with new material.

As the events were happening, witnesses were amazed at the incredible tragedy, others helped unknown victims caught in the unexpected and growing disaster, while many fled with all their might. Nominated for five Emmy Awards, 102 minutes that changed.

The documentary, which will be on Monday 7, from 22 hs, through History Channel (channel 57, CV and MC) shows with stark the witnesses’ bewilderment: how citizens, workers, neighbours in New York who were close to the scene watched the tragedy.

S/J Productions Principal Jon Siskel, nephew of late movie critic Gene Siskel, said “102 Minutes” was painstakingly pieced together from more than 100 hours of footage shot on that fateful September morning.

Siskel and his business partner, Greg Jacobs, obtained the material by reaching out to first-responders, posting a request for footage on YouTube and putting fliers in buildings near where the tragedy unfolded. Seed money from the History Channel helped them get started on the project.

Siskel and Jacobs are now finishing another feature documentary about Chicago high school students competing in poetry slams that they hope to debut at the Sundance Film Festival.