Skygate 911
Skygate 9/11 is one of many independently produced conspiracy theory films released in the wake of the September 11 attacks that question whether the U.S. government played a role in its own nation’s greatest modern tragedy. Produced by a group called Pilots for 9/11 Truth, Skygate 911 tells the events of 9/11 through the eyes of aviation professionals.
The filmmakers put audiences on the jury in the case as they challenge accepted narratives of the events of 9/11. Given the events that day led to the two longest wars in American history, they argued convincingly that the following question deserves serious consideration: Has the government provided evidence to support its claims? Is the evidence provided by the government sufficient to support its actions? Does the evidence contradict her story? Is the evidence sufficient to justify their actions at home and around the world?
By analyzing the plane’s physical structure, when it left the airport, its speed and the alleged location of various flight recorders, the filmmakers dissected data previously cited as evidence in the 9/11 Commission report.
The film itself serves as a slightly more polished PowerPoint presentation, relying heavily on the Ken Burns effect, with the camera slowly zooming in and panning around spreadsheets, documents, infographics and maps, with scattered footage here and there. The narrative is flat and real, and the simplicity of production helps the filmmakers deliver a new, independent investigation into 9/11 in a rational and informative rather than emotional way. By examining various aviation-related elements of the September 11 attacks, the film offers a unique perspective on a topic that has been studied for 15 years.
Skygate 911 challenges the US government’s narrative of the events of 9/11 and adds another voice to existing skeptical voices by presenting their material to listeners as if it were an actual court case.
