The Station Documentary Web Series Launches Feb. 20
Monday, February 18, 2013
A 7-part documentary web series about The Station nightclub fire will launch on February 20, the 10th anniversary of the fire.
Future episodes, posted on consecutive Wednesdays, will be available for free instant streaming on the project’s website, www.thestationmovie.com, and companion YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/TheStationWebSeries.
Directed by Rhode Island filmmaker David Bettencourt, "The Station" reveals the stories of an array of individuals directly affected by the tragedy—a list that includes survivors, family members of individuals who perished in the fire, first responders, and hospital specialists who treated burn victims.
Bettencourt said that the project's purpose is best captured by its straightforward tagline: “Learn. Remember. Heal.”
An educational endeavor
“This is as much an educational endeavor as it is an effort to tell compelling stories to a mass audience,” said Bettencourt, whose other films have covered diverse topics including Rocky Point Park and tuberculosis in America.
Since beginning production on “The Station” in 2011, Bettencourt has traveled extensively, speaking publicly about fire safety and the potential influence his project could have on the topic.
“This project is an effort to raise awareness, promote education, and change the way people think about fire safety.”
The Station fire
The tragedy, which claimed the lives of 100, started a new national dialogue about fire safety procedures that has led to a surge in fire code improvements. However, according to Bettencourt, the recent nightclub fire that killed 233 people in Brazil is a clear indication that further aggressive action is still needed. Additionally, it was recently revealed that some Rhode Island nightclubs are not adhering to stricter fire codes introduced after The Station fire.
Bettencourt, a Rhode Island-based filmmaker, joined forces with Tyco, the world’s largest fire protection and security company, to produce “The Station.” In addition to providing financial support, Tyco is promoting and sharing the episodes internally to its 69,000 employees worldwide.
Remembrance
Bettencourt feels that “The Station” will also serve as a tribute not only to those who perished, but also to survivors, their loved ones, and first responders. “This collection of stories will celebrate the lives of those who were lost and preserves the legacy of this catastrophic and preventable event,” he said.
The series also gives survivors to tell stories that will continue to help them and others still coping with the healing process, even a decade after the tragedy. “With the help of Tyco, we’re bringing the stories to the web hoping to play some small role in healing this community,” said Bettencourt.
"The Station" can be viewed on YouTube, here. To follow the series on Facebook, go here. Follow @stationmovie on Twitter.
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