Former Sacred Heart Greenwich student Delaney Colaio is the writer and co-producer of We Go Higher, a documentary about the 3,051 children who lost a parent in the World Trade Center attacks September 11, 2001, according to wegohigherfilm.com. Currently, Delaney is traveling the world to meet these children, starting locally with Sacred Heart alumnae Emily Micciulli ’17 and Katie Danahy ’17, who share their stories in the film.
Delaney lost her father and two uncles September 11, 2001 when they were at work in the World Trade Center. When representatives from Guantanamo Bay Naval Base asked Delaney to speak about the loss of loved ones, she became interested in meeting the children who, like her, lost family in the attacks, according to wegohigherfilm.com. Delaney’s film will be the first–ever documentary from and about the children of September 11.
Delaney returned to Sacred Heart this year, September 10, to introduce her project to Upper School students. She is co-producing her film with Ms. Sara Hirsh Bordo, the Chief Executive Officer of Women Rising. As of May 2018, Delaney and her team have interviewed 55 of the 3,051 children who lost family during the attacks. They still have 50 more to go, according to indiegogo.com.
Emily is very impressed with how far Delaney has come with her film over the course of a year. She is proud of her accomplishments and the message that the film conveys.
“Delaney, Katie, and I started with sticky notes on the wall, and we are now close to the completion of a full documentary that spans across children who faced a variety of tragedies,” Emily said.
Emily, who lost her father in the attacks, shared her story in the film and stated that she believes the term “9/11 kid” is very important to her. In the past, the title was one she did not appreciate, however, after participating in the film she realized it highlighted her strength, perseverance, and grit.
“I hope the audience leaves the film with an attitude of optimism, hope, and revival,” Emily said.
Senior Grace Danahy, Katie’s younger sister, has also come to develop a strong connection to the documentary and an admiration for Delaney’s mission. As a “9/11 kid,” Grace recognizes the importance of sharing her story with the world from an unseen perspective.
“I think that the significance of having this story and film told from the perspective of the kids who lost parents is that you see past the textbooks and what Google will tell you,” Grace said.
The film has partnerships with nine different organizations, including UBS, International Documentary Association, Facebook, and Adobe. Over 250 people have contributed to the funding and success of making of the film, according to wegohigherfilm.com.
“As a girl says in the film, we are not defined by the events of September 11, we are the love and compassion shown to us on the 12th,” Grace said. “That is the story we want anyone going through a hard time, or anyone affected by a tragedy to understand. They are not confined to being a ‘victim’ and they will rise above the trial and tribulation we will all face in our lifetimes, some more than others.”
https://vimeo.com/233224370
– Lé-Anne Johnson, Staff Writer
Featured Image courtesy of Delaney Colaio and wegohigherfilm.com