As the United States approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the memory of that day is gradually transforming into historical narrative. Soon, a majority of the population will consist of individuals born after the attacks or those too young to recall the events when terrorists struck the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Brian Knappenberger, 56, the director of the new Netflix documentary “Turning Point: Generation 9/11,” reflects on this shift, comparing the distance of 9/11 to the Hiroshima bomb in historical context. He notes, “For the current generation of young adults, the events of World War II feel equally distant.” Knappenberger, who has previously produced works focused on the “war on terror,” the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, aims to resonate with a generation that views 9/11 as a concept often encountered in textbooks, formal ceremonies, or even memes on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

In a discussion from Los Angeles via Google Meet, Knappenberger emphasizes the importance of conveying the lived experiences of those who remember 9/11. “The purpose of this film is to honor that experience and illustrate not only the terror of the attacks but also the profound impact of the subsequent decisions that shaped our nation,” he explains.

The documentary captures a complex reality: despite the fading personal memories of 9/11, its influence permeates contemporary society. “As we move away from 9/11 as a recent memory, I want people to appreciate the experiences of that time, document the resulting decisions, and consider what kind of nation we aspire to be,” he states.

“Turning Point: Generation 9/11” is part of a continuum of documentaries that recount the tragic events of that day, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives. It features memories of interrupted morning broadcasts, trapped office workers, final phone calls, heroic first responders, and the somber atmosphere that enveloped the nation.

For older generations, 9/11 is an indelible memory, a moment in time that shaped their lives. Knappenberger shares, “9/11 fundamentally altered my perspective on the world, the political landscape, and even my career path. It’s difficult to articulate the depth of that change in hindsight.”

Conversely, for those born in the late 1990s or afterward, 9/11 represents a legacy rather than a lived experience. The documentary features young individuals whose lives have been undeniably influenced by the attacks. One such individual is Laurel Homer, whose father, LeRoy Homer, served as the co-pilot of United Flight 93. Laurel was only ten months old when her father, along with other passengers, attempted to regain control from hijackers. In the film, she reflects on feeling like “collateral” in a story that enveloped her family.

Laurel shares her struggles with the loss of a father she never had the chance to know, stating, “I recognize he was a hero, but I wish it didn’t have to be that way. This narrative has shaped my entire life, and I continue to grapple with its impact.” She also encounters online individuals who send insensitive messages or promote conspiracy theories surrounding the tragedy.

Another poignant story is that of An Nguyen, whose father, Khang Nguyen, an immigrant who fled the Vietnam War, was killed while working as an electrical engineer at the Pentagon. An was just four years old when his father kissed him goodbye on that fateful day, never to return.

Knappenberger remarks on the profound impact of understanding the experiences of children who lost their parents on 9/11 and how those events have shaped their lives and the evolution of the nation. He notes that viewing the current information landscape through the lens of these families highlights the pervasive political cynicism present today.

The phenomenon of “memeification” surrounding 9/11 has led to the spread of conspiracy theories and jokes about figures like Osama bin Laden and George W. Bush on social media platforms. More troubling is the rise of the “truther” movement, which dismisses the official accounts of the attacks in favor of various conspiracy theories, including claims that the U.S. government orchestrated the events.

Knappenberger points out that the emergence of the truther movement, rooted in an environment of disinformation, has cast a shadow over the legacy of 9/11. “The movement arose during a time when misinformation was taking hold, leading to claims that the attacks were fabricated or involved inside jobs. Viewing these disinformation efforts through the eyes of those who lost loved ones makes the situation even more poignant,” he explains.

He traces a connection between the early conspiracy theories surrounding 9/11 and today’s divisive political climate. “There is a clear trajectory from the original truther movement to the current landscape of conspiracy theories online, including figures like Alex Jones, which has contributed to the fragmentation of our society,” he adds.

The advent of social media platforms such as Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter in the years following 9/11 coincided with a surge in conspiracy theories. Knappenberger concludes, “These technologies emerged in the context of 9/11, enabling the rapid spread of conspiracy theories and shaping the way we communicate today. The truther movement serves as an early precursor to the chaotic misinformation landscape we face now.”