Munich -- German broadcaster ARD is marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks with three new productions: a primetime documentary, a special broadcast, and an investigative podcast series.
A 90-minute documentary revisits New York's last carefree summer before the attacks
"SEPTEMBER," directed by Johan von Mirbach and produced by WDR, contrasts the everyday lives of New Yorkers during the summer of 2001 -- shaped by Fashion Week and the US Open -- with the parallel preparations of the 19 hijackers. The film combines personal testimonies with previously unpublished archive footage and interviews with voices from politics, media, and security agencies. It is streaming now on ARD Mediathek and airs on Das Erste on September 11 at 8:15 p.m.
A special broadcast examines the political fallout still shaping world affairs
"Der Tag, der die Welt veränderte - 25 Jahre nach 9/11" looks at how survivors and victims' families are commemorating the anniversary, alongside the attacks' lasting effects on foreign policy, security strategy, and international relations. The program features live segments and expert discussions, hosted by Ellen Ehni. It airs on Das Erste on September 11 at 6:50 p.m.
A podcast series investigates Saudi Arabia's alleged role in the attacks
"Staatsgeheimnis 9/11 - Die Saudi-Connection" focuses on Saudi national Omar Al-Bayoumi and examines whether he acted on orders from the Saudi government to assist some of the hijackers. The series draws on previously unreleased material and interviews with former FBI investigators, legal experts, and victims' relatives. It is available now on ARD Sounds under the "Dark Matters" feed, and rolls out on major podcast platforms starting September 8.