Inspirational documentary follows the years-long battle championed by Jon Stewart to get health funding for ailing 9/11 first responders, available at MIPCOM
Blue Ant International acquires exclusive distribution rights to the documentary No Responders Left Behind, which follows the fight to get health benefits for 9/11 first responders, led by Jon Stewart (front row, left) and John Feal (front row, middle) pictured above during a Congressional Hearing. Photo credit: Faye Murman
(Toronto, ON – September 9, 2020) – Blue Ant International announces today that it has acquired exclusive licensing rights to the feature documentary No Responders Left Behind (1 x 90’; HD), a heart-wrenching story of courage and resilience that follows 22 Primetime Emmy award winner and former host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, dedicated 9/11 social activist, John Feal and FDNY hero, Ray Pfeifer, as they take on the U.S. government to ensure health and compensation for thousands of ailing first responders who are dying from toxins released at Ground Zero. Produced by Paradox Pictures Inc., and shot over five years, the documentary follows the unwavering fight to get healthcare and benefits for the thousands of responders who acquired life-threatening and financially devastating illnesses from 9/11. Blue Ant International oversees the exclusive global licensing and premiere rights to No Responders Left Behind, which will be available at MIPCOM. Watch the trailer HERE.
“John Feal and all the first responders have done so much for me, for the community, for the city, for the country. To be able to repay some of that debt that I feel I owe them personally, that we all owe them, is the best feeling,” says comedian Jon Stewart. “Being a small part of this journey is the one thing I’m most proud of. I will follow John anywhere he wants to lead me next. I’m thrilled John Feal’s story is being told in the documentary, No Responders Left Behind.”
“Next year will mark the 20th anniversary when the entire world watched the tragedy of 9/11 unfold and saw those first responders head courageously toward their rescue mission,” says Ludo Dufour, SVP, International Co-Productions and Sales, Blue Ant International. “This is an incredibly moving story that shines a light on the fight for health care and also provides an inspirational and encouraging look at what a small, but mighty group of passionate activists can achieve against all odds.”
From New York to Washington and all across the United States, Stewart, Feal and Pfeifer set out on an uphill battle against the U.S. government to ensure 9/11 first responders get access to a permanent, uncapped fund to cover their medical needs. The documentary charts the strength and leadership of these unsung heroes as they advocate and lobby on behalf of those who should have never been forgotten, never settling for any of the comprises offered by U.S. government officials. Their journey takes a particularly emotional turn when FDNY veteran Pfeifer is diagnosed with brain cancer from his exposure to Ground Zero toxins. Feal finds himself in the fight of his life to guarantee that the legacy of all 9/11 responders like Pfeifer are honored forever.
“For many, the last 18.5 years has been about passing legislation and fighting for justice for those affected by the aftermath of 9/11. I cannot say the same for me. It has never been about passing legislation, donating money or the accolades. It has always been about the journey from where we started to not knowing when it will end. It has been about the friendships and all the people I love and now call my family,” says John Feal, 9/11 Responder & Activist. “To allow myself to be exposed and vulnerable is a testament to Rob Lindsay, Kelly Zemnickis and everyone behind the documentary No Responders Left Behind who captured this emotional journey in such a powerful and meaningful manner.”
No Responders Left Behind is produced by Paradox Pictures Inc., directed by Rob Lindsay and produced by Kelly Zemnickis, Kristine Yanoff and Jaime Sanchez.
Blue Ant International is a leading worldwide distributor of high-quality, creative content that engages audiences worldwide and across multiple platforms. The company offers a full-service approach to production partners with sales operations in London, Toronto, and Los Angeles. Blue Ant International has a growing slate of over 4,000 hours of premium content, including distinctive series and formats in five key genres including factual entertainment, specialist factual, high-impact documentaries, kids and family, and scripted. Blue Ant International also has one of the world’s largest offerings of 4K natural history content. Blue Ant International is a division of Blue Ant Media.
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