Firefighter Documentary ‘Black Sunday’ In The Works From Eric Hosmer, Luke Wheatley & Shane Abbess

EXCLUSIVE: Twenty years ago, the FDNY (New York Fire Department) suffered one of the darkest days in its history with multiple deaths across different incidents. It was known as Black Sunday.

This tragedy is being commemorated with a new feature documentary from former MLB star Eric Hosmer, Australian filmmaker Shane Abbess (The Beast in Me) and director Luke Wheatley (Grounded).

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It also comes as firefighters have played a central, and inspiring role, in the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles over the last two weeks.

Black Sunday tells the story of a group of New York City firefighters who faced one of the most devastating events for the FDNY since September 11. It recounts the impact of the day, which saw three firefighters die in two fires, one a tenement fire in the Bronx and one at a house fire in Brooklyn. It marked the first time that firefighters had died at two separate incidents on the same day since 1918 and was the deadliest day for the department since 9/11. It will also explore themes of mental health, the culture of first responders, and the bonds that unite them in the face of adversity.

It will also highlight details surrounding the event which led to a criminal investigation and one of the largest civil trials in New York’s history regarding the cause of the firefighters’ deaths – including the city’s lack of resources and the presence of illegally subdivided apartments.

Hosmer, a 13-year MLB veteran, World Series Champion, and All-Star Game MVP, is producing via his Moonball Media and Black Sunday marks his first feature project.

Wheatley will direct; Shane Abbess and Sidonie Abbene from Storm Alley Entertainment will produce alongside Beckie Adams and Wheatley from In Three Production, Terrance McFadden Jr with Robert Cervini from Moonball Media. Stuart Smith, Brett Thornquest, Brian Cachia, Graham Turner, Matthew Turner, Shannon Cosgrove, Anthony Seratelli, Eric Hosmer, Matthew Graham and Marty Fray are exec producers.

“With a personal connection to the fire service—my father being a retired Lieutenant—it was a natural choice to back this incredible and unique story that reflects the truth of that fateful day,” Hosmer said.

“The deeper we explored this story, it became clear that it needed to be told authentically, through the voices of those who lived it,” Abbess added. “It’s been one of the most emotional experiences of my life. I can’t imagine anyone witnessing this and not being affected.”

Wheatley said, “When I first heard about this story, I knew I had to be involved in some way. Directing this has been a life-changing moment. The events here are astounding, and the courage of these individuals is truly beyond inspiring.”

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