Moonball Media Lines Up Black Sunday Doc

Major League Baseball veteran Eric Hosmer and his Moonball Media have partnered with Australian filmmaker Shane Abbess (The Beast in Me, Gabriel, Osiris Child) for Black Sunday.

The documentary details the events of January 23, 2005, when multiple FDNY firefighters were killed in the line of duty at separate incidents, making it the most devastating event since September 11, 2001. It recounts the impact of that fateful day and explores themes of mental health, the culture of first responders and the unbreakable bonds that unite them in the face of adversity.

Black Sunday also highlights details surrounding the criminal investigation, which became one of the largest civil trials in New York’s history, regarding the cause of the firefighters’ deaths, including the city’s lack of resources and the presence of illegally subdivided apartments.

The documentary is directed by Luke Wheatley and produced by Shane Abbess and Sidonie Abbene from Storm Alley Entertainment, Beckie Adams and Wheatley from In Three Production, Terrance McFadden Jr. and Robert Cervini from Moonball Media.

“The deeper we explored this story, it became clear that it needed to be told authentically, through the voices of those who lived it,” Abbess said. “It’s been one of the most emotional experiences of my life. I can’t imagine anyone witnessing this and not being affected.”

“When I first heard about this story, I knew I had to be involved in some way,” Wheatley recalled. “Directing this has been a life-changing moment. The events here are astounding, and the courage of these individuals is truly beyond inspiring.”

Hosmer added, “With a personal connection to the fire service—my father being a retired Lieutenant—it was a natural choice to back this incredible and unique story that reflects the truth of that fateful day.”