Memories of 911
by: Cindy Mich
Published: September 8, 2026
NEW YORK...Coming up this Friday will be the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and it is well that we remember this horrible event in our nation's history. This day also has special meaning to Paul Eliacin.
Paul is well known as a retired Theatrical Teamster and writer/filmmaker. Even more importantly, he served as one of the First Responders during the 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts. He dedicated up to sixteen hours a day at Ground Zero. This left him struggling with a series of illnesses such as chronic rhinosinusitis, an upper respiratory disease, severe disruptive sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder. This tragedy has truly left an infinite impact on Paul's physical and psychological well being. Many of his First Responders are also suffering from some type of upper respiratory problems received during this time.
Eliacin would soon return back to Lower Manhattan, three days after 9/11, and went on to capture over five hours of never-before-seen footage and over 300 raw, unpublished photos. He is using this material to produce a new documentary, The Lights On 9/11, that will showcase stories of grief, courage and recovery stemming from said day. This is about honoring victims, First Responders, and those who have lived to tell the tale.
Paul Eliacin is an independent film director with experience in film, television, and commercials. He got his start straight out of Brooklyn and is one of eight children. At one point, he dropped out of school, destined to believe he had little to no future. However, young Paul would eventually find his faith in himself and a solid sense of strength - prompting him to get his GED, study theology, and work his way into NYC's film industry.
Paul physically spent over thirty years as a Teamster on TV sets such as Law and Order SVU, Law and Order Criminal Intent, New York Undercover, and the Sopranos. On the film side, he participated in various projects including Boomerang, One Fine Day, Conspiracy Theory, Men in Black, and the First Wives Club.
Additionally, he was a crew member of the highly rated talk show called The Week In Review, which aired on WRKS-FM in New York City featuring Bob Slade, Bob Pickett, Peter Noel, James Mtume, and Charles “The Cut Man” Etheridge.
In 2004, Paul then decided to don a director hat and release his own feature film, Up in Harlem, which is soon to be re-released on multiple streaming platforms. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Up In Harlem LLC, continuing to produce content and mentor emerging talent in the film industry. Paul credits Spike Lee as serving as one of his heaviest influences within the industry.