New WTC documentary investigates delays, controversies at ground zero: VIDEO

A new documentary centered on the politics and drama surrounding the rebuilding of the World Trade Center is set to hold its North American premiere October 18 at the New York Architecture & Design Film Festival.

The film, directed by Richard Hankin, charts the $20 billion project’s progress between September 11, 2001 and the 10 year anniversary of the terror attacks. It explores the reasons for numerous delays at the site, the controversies arising from the redevelopment as well as the conflicting agendas of politicians and the project’s private developer, Larry Silverstein. The movie features the project’s key players, including Silverstein, Silverstein’s right-hand man, Janno Lieber, Governor George Pataki, former Port Authority executive director Chris Ward and Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

“We were looking for an answer to the question: What’s the real story behind why it’s taken so long to rebuild?” said the film’s writer and co-producer Matt Kapp, who also produced “Valentino: The Last Emperor. ” “To our surprise, no books, TV shows or documentaries had attempted to answer that question. Few Americans, even New Yorkers, know much about what has really gone on behind the scenes.”

The film was previously shown at the Zurich Film Festival in September. Kapp produced the movie alongside Mike Marcucci. –Katherine Clarke