The Second Day 2011
Distributed by The Video Project, PO Box 411376, San Francisco, CA 94141-1376; 800-475-2638
Produced by Brook Peters
Directed by Brook Peters
DVD, color, 37 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
September 11 Terrorist Attacks, Terrorism, Children
Date Entered: 11/06/2012
Reviewed by Michael Fein, Coordinator of Library Services, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, VAThe “second day” referred to in the title of this production is the second day of kindergarten for the film’s producer, Brook Peters. This second day was September 11, 2001 and his school was just a few blocks from the World Trade Center. Some six years later, Brook wished for his fellow students and teachers at P.S. 150 and neighboring schools to tell their stories. All of these form quite a tale. Brook’s mother was well-acquainted with the members of FDNY Engine Company 24, being there as they responded to the attack, and Brook himself was something of a mascot to the firemen. The interviews with the teachers, students, firemen, and his mother bring a much more intimate picture of the September 11th attacks than most of us may have ever known. Brook quite skillfully weaves contemporaneous footage of the aftermath of the attacks with the interviews of the participants. It all makes for a powerful and engrossing story. All of this is quite amazing for a young man who was only 14 when the documentary was completed. The website for the film has numerous helpful supplementary materials.
Recommended for all age groups and audiences.