CNN Films and TIME Magazine have produced a documentary on the famed “Windows on the World” restaurant, timed to coincide with special coverage of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attack that saw the destruction of the restaurant during the collapse of One World Trade Center.
The film will open in New York for a limited theatrical engagement at DCTV Firehouse Cinema from August 28 through September 3. It will premiere on CNN on Monday, September 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (with a replay three hours later for the West Coast), then stream via the CNN website and apps the following day.
“Top of the World” tells the story of Windows on the World, the restaurant located atop One World Trade Center (the “North Tower”) that became one of New York City’s signature dining destinations after opening in the 1970s. The restaurant’s history ended in September 2001, when the terrorist attacks killed all 79 Windows employees working that morning, along with 91 guests.
The documentary uses first-hand accounts from former staff members to revisit the restaurant, including interviews with chef Michael Lomonaco, longtime Cellar Master Kevin Zraly, hostess Nathalie Tolentino and prep cook Sekou Siby. Food writer Ruth Reichl and former WNBC (Channel 4) anchor Carol Jenkins also appear in the documentary, offering perspective on the restaurant and New York City during its 25-year history.
Actor Denis Leary provides the voice of restaurateur Joe Baum, who helped create Windows on the World. The film uses Baum’s own words from archival recordings to revisit his role in shaping the restaurant into a defining New York institution.
The limited theatrical run at DCTV Firehouse Cinema will serve as an Academy Award-qualifying engagement. Select screenings during the week will include Q&A sessions with members of the filmmaking team.
“Top of the World” is directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen, the filmmakers behind several documentary projects focused on prominent historical and cultural figures. The film is produced by Ryan Biegel, Vicky Liu and Holly Siegel.
The film was inspired in part by the book “The Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World,” written by Tom Roston and published in 2019.
The trailer for the documentary appears below:
