Jules Naudet, French-American director and producer

Jules Clément Naudet and Thomas Gédéon Naudet, a pair of French-American filmmakers, hold a unique and indelible place in modern history. These brothers, who have made the United States their home since 1989 and became naturalized citizens in 1999, found themselves in New York City on a seemingly ordinary day that would soon become one of the most tragic and pivotal moments for the nation and the world. Their presence there, initially for a different purpose, led to the capture of footage that would forever etch their names into the annals of September 11, 2001.

An Unforeseen Witness to a Catastrophe

On that fateful morning of September 11, 2001, Jules and Thomas were immersed in a documentary project focusing on the everyday lives of firefighters from Engine 7, Ladder 1 – a firehouse nestled in the vibrant, bustling heart of Lower Manhattan. Their objective was to offer an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the demanding yet often routine existence of these dedicated public servants. However, what began as a study of urban heroism quickly transformed into an unimaginable chronicle of terror. It was Jules Naudet who, through sheer chance and his camera's lens, captured the only known clear footage of American Airlines Flight 11 as it slammed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This raw, unvarnished visual record became an immediate, chilling testament to the onset of the attacks, offering an unprecedented perspective on the very first impact.

The Documentary "9/11" and Its Legacy

The powerful, unedited footage shot by the Naudet brothers that day, along with their continued documentation of the events and their aftermath, formed the core of the acclaimed 2002 documentary simply titled 9/11. This film provided a visceral, human-centered account of the attacks from the ground, primarily through the eyes of the New York City firefighters they were following. It became a critical historical document, offering a perspective unlike any other, capturing the immediate chaos, bravery, and despair of that day.

Beyond the film itself, the very instrument that captured the initial, indelible moments of the tragedy has also found its place in history. The video camera utilized by Jules Naudet, which recorded Flight 11's catastrophic impact into the World Trade Center, is now a prominent artifact. It is proudly exhibited at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., serving as a tangible link to one of the most significant events of the 21st century and a stark reminder of the power of eyewitness testimony.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who are Jules and Thomas Naudet?
Jules Clément Naudet and Thomas Gédéon Naudet are French-American filmmakers who gained historical significance for their footage captured during the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City.
What were the Naudet brothers doing in New York City on 9/11?
They were in Lower Manhattan filming a documentary about the daily lives of firefighters from Engine 7, Ladder 1, which put them in a unique position to witness the unfolding tragedy.
What significant footage did Jules Naudet capture?
Jules Naudet captured the only clear video footage of American Airlines Flight 11 striking the North Tower of the World Trade Center, marking the beginning of the 9/11 attacks.
What documentary was made from their 9/11 footage?
Their footage and experiences were compiled into the critically acclaimed 2002 documentary titled 9/11.
Where is the camera Jules Naudet used now?
The video camera used by Jules Naudet to film the first plane hitting the World Trade Center is on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.