Jon Stewart, Discovery Plus Team on ‘No Responders Left Behind’ Documentary (EXCLUSIVE)
Discovery Plus will premiere “No Responders Left Behind,” a documentary about the fight waged by former “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, social activist John Feal and FDNY hero Ray Pfeifer to get health benefits and compensation for 9/11 first responders. The film will stream on Discovery Plus globally this September.
“’No Responders Left Behind’ is a profile of the grit and perseverance of a few determined individuals who fought to ensure the rights of the men and women who put their health on the line and showed up to help in the days and weeks that followed that fateful day 20 years go,” said Lisa Holme, SVP of Content and Commercial Strategy, Discovery, Inc. “This compelling film does what we set out to do with discovery+ documentaries: tell the most important stories of our time and help give a voice to the voiceless.”
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Shot over five years, the documentary reveals the unwavering fight by members of The FealGood Foundation and their leader John Feal, who collaborated with Stewart and Pfeifer to take on the U.S. government. Their goal was to get healthcare and benefits for the thousands of responders who are suffering with life-threatening and financially devastating illnesses from toxins released at Ground Zero after 9/11. Stewart used “The Daily Show” to draw attention to the issue and testified before Congress to oppose limited payouts to responders.
‘No Responders Left Behind’ is produced by Paradox Pictures Inc. and directed by Rob Lindsay. It is also produced by Kelly Zemnickis, Kristine Yanoff and Jaime Sanchez.
“I am grateful Jon Stewart and John Feal allowed me to document their journey for justice,” states Lindsay. “’No Responders Left Behind’ shines a light on a group of grass roots social activists who challenged the system and won. I am thrilled to partner with Discovery Plus to bring these stories to life.”
The deal was brokered by Ludo Dufour, SVP of international co-productions and sales at Blue Ant International.
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