Teaching About 9-11 – Six Exceptional Films That Can Bring the Story of 9-11 to Life For Your Kids

Teaching About 9 11 Six Exceptional Films That Can Bring the Story of 9 11 to Life For Your Kids Image

9/11 – The Filmmakers' Commemorative Edition – On the morning of September 11, 2001, two French brothers, Jules and Gedeon Naudet, were working on a documentary about a rookie New York City firefighter. Hearing a sound in the sky, Jules turned his camera upward–just in time to film the only existing image of the first plane crashing into the World Trade Center. On that fateful morning, Jules and Gedeon became eyewitnesses to the most shocking and defining moment of our time. With cameras rolling, they followed NYC firefighters into the heart of Ground Zero to document heroism first hand. This film is family friendly, and perhaps the most powerful and honest production of this day ever recorded.

Looking For My Brother is an incredibly personal and moving documentary about one man's search for his brother in the aftermath of 9/11. Family friendly, but with mature content.

Flight 93: The Movie is an intense made for TV movie about the events that took place on Flight 93 the morning of September 11, 2001. Originally broadcast on the A & E Network, the film focuses on the passengers who took the plane – they include Tom Burnett, Todd Beamer, and Mark Bingham. Produced with the cooperation of the family members of those who perished on Flight 93, this well-crafted television movie handles difficult material with respect. This film is family friendly, but with mature conflict.

Meeting Osama Bin Laden is extremely informative documentary about the life, works, and philosophy of Osama Bin Laden. If the saying is true, know thy enemy as thyself, then this important documentary tracing Bin Laden's life is a must see. Family friendly, but with mature content.

Frontline: The Al Qaeda Files is an exceptional Frontline episode examining the birth, religion, extremism, and politics of Al Qeada. Best of all, you can view it for free on the Frontline website.

The 50 Years War – Israel & The Arabs examines the conflict between Israel and its Middle Eastern neighbors. Using archival footage and extensive interviews, this two-video set produced by PBS begins by explaining the conditions in Palestine at the end of World War II and the crisis created by the European exodus of Jews after the Holocaust. It explains the withdrawal of the British, the formation of Israel, the local struggles intensified by the cold war, the Six Day War, and more. This skillful, dramatic, and balanced production is a must see for any young person studying modern history. Family friendly, but with mature content.