Smack in the middle of the Guadalajara’s International Film Festival, Ajijic became the stage for a cinematic coup with the Mexico premiere of “16 Acres,” the newly released documentary tracing the thorny reconstruction of New York’s World Trade Center (WTC) following the devastating terrorist attack of September 11, 2001.
More than 250 lakesiders had the privilege of attending the two March 4 previews of the compelling documentary, booked well ahead of screenings at top spots on the North American film fest circuit such as San Francisco and Montreal. The premiere and other social events were organized to raise funds for the Pro Niños Incapacitados program.
Three key players involved in the making of the film – producer Mike Marcucci, Silversteen Properties Vice President of Marketing and Communications Dara McQuillan and official WTC site photographer Joe Woolhead – actively backed the event, assisting with logistics and provision of cost-free promotional materials before flying in from New York on their own dime to introduce the film. The pay-off was relishing a whirlwind first time visit to the area and the warm hospitality of the local folks with whom they rubbed elbows.
Marcucci commented that the idea for the film emerged two years ago.
“A lot of documentaries have been made about the 9/11 attack. It’s been a painful road in the aftermath and many people tuned out to what was going on at the site,” he said. “This looks at the politics and bureaucratic theater surrounding the rebuilding project. Surprisingly, we got the movers and shakers to talk candidly, even when they weren’t talking to one another.”
In the final cut, director-editor Richard Hankin deftly wove together archival clips, original footage, still shots by Woolhead and interviews with key players, crafting a well-rounded historical account of the decade-long process of planning, conflicts, missteps and eventual advances that have occurred at Ground Zero.
The Ajijic premiere was instigated by McQuillan and lakesider Monica Molloy, long-time friends who paired up last fall on a tour of the WTC site that eventually inspired the local charity benefit. They extend heartfelt thanks to sponsors and Niños Incapacitados volunteers who were instrumental in putting together the full agenda of activities, including Tony Bishop of Hacienda del Lago, David Reynoso and Carlos Magaña of Cinemas del Lago, Roberto’s Restaurant, Villa Encantada, Purely Canadian International, Margaret Ancira, Leslie Martin, Jane Hainsworth, Kari Higgins, Margaret Quinn and Dale Curwin, as well as all who attended and contributed to the blockbuster bash.