On January 23, 2005, also known as “Black Sunday,” the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) was forever changed as multiple firefighters were killed in the line of duty, marking one of the darkest days in the department’s history. In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the tragic event, Major League Baseball All-Star Eric Hosmer and an Australian film team are bringing this heroic story of the FDNY to the big screen with their documentary, Black Sunday.
The first featured project of Moonball Media, Black Sunday digs into the harrowing experiences of a valiant group of New York City firefighters who faced one of the most devastating events for the FDNY since the September 11 terror attacks. This gripping documentary not only recounts the tragic impact of that fateful day but also explores urgent themes of mental health, the culture of first responders, and the unbreakable bonds that unite them in the face of adversity.
The documentary also highlights shocking details surrounding the event which led to a criminal investigation and one of the largest civil trials in New York’s history regarding the cause of the firefighters’ deaths, including the city’s lack of resources and the presence of illegally subdivided apartments.
Australian filmmaker Shane Abbess (The Beast in Me with Russell Crowe, cult classic Gabriel and Osiris Child) who originally envisioned this project as a narrative feature film, dedicated considerable time to researching the true events. By connecting with the families affected and immersing himself in fire services’ daily operations, Abbess sought an authentic portrayal. “The deeper we explored this story, it became clear that it needed to be told authentically, through the voices of those who lived it,” Abbess shared. “It’s been one of the most emotional experiences of my life. I can’t imagine anyone witnessing this and not being affected.”
Director Luke Wheatley recalls, “When I first heard about this story, I knew I had to be involved in some way. Directing this has been a life-changing moment. The events here are astounding, and the courage of these individuals is truly beyond inspiring.”
“With a personal connection to the fire service—my father being a retired Lieutenant—it was a natural choice to back this incredible and unique story that reflects the truth of that fateful day,” Hosmer expressed.
Black Sunday, directed by Luke Wheatley, is produced by Shane Abbess and Sidonie Abbene from Storm Alley Entertainment, alongside Beckie Adams and Wheatley from In Three Production, Terrance McFadden Jr with Robert Cervini from Moonball Media. Executive Produced by Stuart Smith, Brett Thornquest, Brian Cachia, Graham Turner, Matthew Turner, Shannon Cosgrove, Anthony Seratelli, Eric Hosmer, Matthew Graham and Marty Fray.