Robert De Niro on helping revive Lower Manhattan after 9/11

Robert De Niro, a renowned film legend, has resided or worked in Lower Manhattan for years, making the 9/11 attacks a deeply personal tragedy. On the morning of September 11, 2001, De Niro was in Midtown Manhattan when he decided to return to Lower Manhattan instead of flying to California. Upon arriving, he witnessed the aftermath of the attacks, with smoke billowing from the North Tower and later, the collapse of the South Tower.

In the days that followed, Lower Manhattan appeared deserted, with sanitation trucks spreading dust containing poisonous debris. De Niro took precautions, covering his windows, fearing the toxic effects of the dust. However, as the dust settled, De Niro and his business partner, producer Jane Rosenthal, sought ways to help the city recover.

In May 2002, just eight months after the attacks, the first Tribeca Film Festival was held, symbolizing hope and resilience for the devastated city. The festival drew a large crowd, including international figures like Nelson Mandela, and provided a sense of normalcy for the people. De Niro emphasized that the festival was an act of defiance against the Trump administration, expressing his desire to oppose the administration's destructive policies.

Nearly two and a half decades later, a documentary titled "Tribeca 25" premiered on Netflix on September 11, 2024, commemorating the festival's anniversary. De Niro, known for his passionate involvement in politics, joined nationwide "No Kings" rallies, advocating for a country free from monarchies and corruption. He also expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the current administration, emphasizing the importance of allowing diverse opinions to be heard.