(Birmingham, Alabama) – After a week of intense competition, the 11th Annual Palm Beach International Film Festival came to a close Friday, with two Birmingham directors taking home the award for Best Documentary. “The Cross and The Towers,” directed by Jon and Andy Erwin, was the Audience Favorite, giving them a unique look at the story of 9/11 and taking them on a search for hope in the depths of Ground Zero, told first hand by the individuals who searched for those they loved and the amazing discovery that would unite them.
The Birmingham natives were in attendance for the world premier of their documentary Sunday night. “The premier was nerve wracking to be honest with you,” said co-director Andy Erwin, “It’s always a little weird when you see fourteen months of preparation projected on the big screen.” A Q&A by Jon and Andy followed the film, viewed by an audience comprised of judges, filmmakers and locals, where the reaction to the film was surprising. “I was encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response the film received,” said Jon, “But I was also surprised by the controversy that the film sparked.”
The Cross and The Towers was a undertaking conceived fourteen months ago when the directing team, known for their commercials and music videos, were approached by a producer, Scott Perkins, with a compelling story of September 11th. When asked what the film meant to him, Andy Erwin said, “Over the past year and a half this film has become very special to us. As a director, any time an audience sees something this personal, it’s always strenuous, but the warm reception to the film at the festival left Jon and I humbled with a renewed belief that America is ready for this story of 9/11.”
Audiences were brought to tears by the emotional portrayal of the aftermath of 9/11 and had much to say about the film. Bill Butler, a West Palm Beach local said, “The film moved me, I believe that every once in a while there are films that come along that just grab us, change us. This is one of those films. I brought my whole family and they feel the same way I do.”
“The Cross and The Towers” is also attracting attention on the national level. After viewing the film, Debra Burlingame, Board Member of the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation and sister of a Flight 77 Pilot, Charles Burlingame said, “The Erwin brothers’ film captures the greater meaning of that day. The film is honest without being brutal, touching without being sentimental and inspirational to anyone who wonders how those who were personally touched by 9/11 were able to survive.” |
