You are here:

In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11

Name: In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11
Director: Amy Schatz
Released: 2019
Duration: 35 min

Representation Score

7.7/10

Good

2019

TV-14

Director

Amy Schatz

Runtime

35 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Amy Schatz creates a documentary that emphasizes lived experiences over ideological lectures. The film's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of a community in crisis, using the inherent diversity of Stuyvesant High School to shape the narrative. By focusing on eyewitness accounts, the film avoids including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth and presents a multifaceted view of a shared tragedy. It captures a microcosm of New York City, making the representation feel natural to the setting. However, the film remains a neutral historical document. It does not actively seek to challenge social norms or center specific identity-based political arcs, which keeps the diversity scores in several categories moderate.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't focus on LGBTQ+ stories specifically, but it doesn't include harmful stereotypes or derogatory language either. However, the absence of explicit LGBTQ+ characters limits its diversity score.

How does In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11 portray gender?

Fair

The documentary gives equal importance to both male and female students and faculty. It avoids traditional gender roles by highlighting the universal impact of trauma on everyone involved.

How racially and ethnically diverse is In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11?

Good

The film showcases the diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds of a New York City public school naturally, without feeling forced or performative.

How does In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11 represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative centers on personal grief rather than a single religious perspective. It avoids triumphalist patriotism, focusing instead on the vulnerability and chaos experienced by the students.

Does In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11 include disability representation?

Fair

Physical disabilities are not central, but the film highlights the psychological trauma and long-term mental health issues faced by the students. It validates the struggles of those with PTSD.

Present on Screen

Reflects the true diversity of a New York City public school without feeling forced.
Highlights the universal impact of trauma on all genders.
Validates the psychological trauma and PTSD experienced by students.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from including more explicit LGBTQ+ characters or storylines.
Does not actively challenge traditional gender roles or social norms.
Does not delve into specific religious or cultural perspectives on the event.

Official Synopsis

Eight student eyewitnesses from Stuyvesant High School in New York City recount their experiences of the Twin Towers attack on September 11, 2001, who as young teenagers, found themselves fleeing debris in the heart of the danger zone and faced with a harrowing journey home.

How are these scores produced? →