Project Rebirth
| Company type | Non-profit organization |
|---|---|
| Industry | Disaster relief, Documentary filmmaking |
| Founded | March 2002 |
| Founder | Jim Whitaker |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | Disaster victims and first responders |
Key people | Jim Whitaker (founder) |
| Products | Documentary film "Rebirth" |
| Owner | Non-profit organization |
Project Rebirth, Inc. is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to aiding victims and first responders affected by major disasters. It chronicles the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site following the September 11 attacks through extensive documentary footage, tracking individuals impacted over a seven-year period. The organization aims to create a Project Rebirth Center, designed to train emergency personnel and inform the public on effective crisis management. Founded by producer Jim Whitaker, it receives support from corporate sponsors such as the Aon Foundation, OppenheimerFunds Inc., and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. Revenues generated from its documentary film Rebirth, which premiered in January 2011, are allocated to funding the Project Rebirth Center.
History
The inception of Project Rebirth occurred after Jim Whitaker visited Ground Zero with his wife. Despite the widespread destruction, he recognized potential for renewal at the location. Beginning in March 2002, time-lapse cameras were installed to record the site's gradual redevelopment, which later expanded to include personal narratives from those affected. Early screenings of this footage highlighted its usefulness as a tool for grief recovery education, inspiring the development of the Project Rebirth Center concept. Over an eight-year filming period, $9.5 million was invested to produce 900 hours of footage. Although less than 0.25% of this material appears in the final film, the comprehensive archive serves as a resource for mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, and firefighters involved in disaster response.
Rebirth
The documentary Rebirth was unveiled on January 23, 2011, at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Jim Whitaker, the project evolved from an initial focus on the site itself into an expansive story exploring the personal experiences connected to Ground Zero. The film highlights five individuals deeply affected by 9/11: Nick, a teenager who lost his mother; Tim, a firefighter grieving fallen comrades; Tanya, who lost her fiancé; Ling, who endured more than 40 surgeries; and Brian, a construction worker engaged in the rebuilding efforts.
Upon release, Rebirth garnered significant acclaim, including a standing ovation at Sundance and commendations from critic Kirk Honeycutt, who described it as "truly inspiring." All proceeds are directed towards supporting the Project Rebirth Center. In 2011, Rebirth was honored with a Peabody Award.