Is the movie Come from Away (2021) based on a true story?

Yes, the movie Come from Away (2021) is based on a true story. It tells the story of the events that occurred in Gander, Newfoundland, on the week following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. In response to airspace closures, 38 planes were diverted to Gander, and the town’s population doubled for several days as they welcomed and housed over 7,000 stranded passengers and crew members. The movie is based on the experiences and stories of the real people involved in the events.

What is the true story behind the movie Come from Away (2021)?

The movie Come from Away (2021) is based on the true story of how the town of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada, welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers following the September 11, 2001 attacks. On that day, United States airspace was closed to all incoming flights, forcing over 38 planes to land in Gander, which has a population of only 9,000.

Nearly 7,000 passengers and crew members were taken in by the residents of Gander and surrounding towns, who showed them kindness, generosity, and hospitality during their unexpected stay. The locals provided meals, accommodations, and emotional support to the “come from aways,” as they came to be known.

The story is told through the experiences of several characters, including a female pilot, a middle-aged gay couple, and a pair of Muslim passengers. The movie showcases how people from various backgrounds came together in a time of crisis to support and care for each other.

The movie is based on a hit Broadway play of the same name, which was written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. The two playwrights conducted over 1,000 interviews with passengers and locals, collecting stories and experiences that were then turned into a production that premiered in 2017. The movie adaptation was released on Apple TV+ in September 2021.