It has been almost two decades since the terror of the 9/11 attacks. But as much as every commemoration should remember all the lives lost and the long-lasting impact of this tragedy, it is also important to continue honoring that historical day’s heroes: the first responders. Along with other New Yorkers — such as the film industry members who helped in Ground Zero by donating generator lights, grip stands, cables, etc. — known for coming together in times of need, these valiant first responders saved thousands of lives at the expense of their own safety. 

Haitian American independent film director Paul E. Eliacin is one of the individuals who demonstrated exceptional bravery during the September 11 catastrophe. He received several letters of commendations from the nation’s top politicians, including Governor Andrew Cuomo and Senator Chuck Schumer, for the outstanding heroism he showcased in rescuing others. 

Paul now serves as the creative mastermind of Up in Harlem, LLC, a motion pictures and film company established to push his soon-to-be-released urban action film, Up in Harlem, into the spotlight. Featuring Ice-T, Up in Harlem revolves around a family struggling to survive the ghetto. 

As a company, Up in Harlem, LLC, is entirely independently owned. Located in the newly diversified community of Harlem, its goal is to be a beacon for aspiring young filmmakers with dreams of documenting cultural trends that impact people from around the world. With Paul at the helm, it is immensely feasible for the company to achieve its objectives and make a positive difference in people’s lives. 

Paul has a long list of accomplishments to take pride in and capitalize on as he leads Up in Harlem to the top of the industry. Having learned filmmaking by watching powerhouse directors throughout their careers, he worked on various movies, TV shows, and commercials. His impressive career includes working on movies such as Boomerang, One Fine Day, Conspiracy Theory, Men in Black, and First Wives Club. In addition, he was also involved with New York Under Cover, Sopranos, Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, and Law and Order: SVU, to which he has been assigned for the past 20 years. 

Moreover, Paul was a field producer for The Week in Review, a highly rated political talk show that aired on WRKS-FM in New York City with Bob Slade, Bob Pickett, Peter Noel, James Mtume, and Charles “The Cut Man” Etheridge. 

In the years to come, this film enthusiast hopes to continue making good movies like Up in Harlem. He also plans to write books about his life experiences and convey a powerful message about second chances and learning from past. Paul say always put God first.

More importantly, with the upcoming 20th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy fast approaching, Paul is looking into finding a network TV partner that will help him in telling his experiences at Ground Zero. Like other first responders, Paul has lived with the long-term health consequences of the terror attacks. He is currently suffering from a life-threatening respiratory disease that has claimed the lives of hundreds of his fellow responders. 

Ill-fated as it is, Paul knows that his number is coming up. So it is vital for him to allow viewers a look into what happened back on September 11, 2001, and how God has graced his life, serving as the primary force behind his survival. With over five hours of raw, never-before-seen footage and over three hundred unpublished photos, as well as interviews inside Ground Zero, Paul is ready to have his tale told. 

Learn more about Paul Eliacin by visiting his website, IMDb page, and YouTube channel. To get in contact with him, send him an email at pauleerecovery@gmail.com.