Ordinary Heroes The Crosses We Bear is a story about fractured bonds, unspoken pain, and the heavy burden of regret, set against the backdrop of one of history's greatest tragedies. It is a tale of second chances—reminding us that even in our darkest hour, forgiveness and redemption are within reach.
Now Meet The Heroes
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James Arno:
In life, James clashed with his father; in death, he embodies the heroism Peter lacks. His legacy forces Peter to confront his failures, serving as both a symbol of courage and a reminder of the son Peter can never truly know.
Richard Williams
Williams is a man torn between justice and vengeance. Having survived the 9/11 tower collapse, he carries the heavy burden of survivor’s guilt. His vigilante quest for retribution fuels a tense clash with Father Peter.
Michael Egan
Michael, a FDNY firefighter who perished alongside James on 9/11, resurrects from the memorial pools—serves as Accuser and Judge.
Kane Fazo-Villareal
A disfigured veteran of the Afghan war now turned hitman, Kane is haunted by loss during the 9/11 attacks—a pain similar to Father Peter's.
Ina Cross
widow, church secretary and Peter's lover, Ina represents the complexities of Peter's life as a man and as a priest. Their forbidden relationship, filled with mutual pain, Ina underscores Peter's internal conflict and his need for redemption and self-forgiveness.
Vera Vitale
Vera Vitale fled Italy after the mysterious death of her infant son, seeking refuge in New York under her mafia Don father. But what appears as a story of redemption quickly descends into darkness. Haunted by the accusatory stare of the child she poisoned, Vera transforms from a shattered mother into a calculating queenpin.
Director's Vision
At ThematicShift, we believe heroism isn’t forged in special effects of endless CGI battles—it’s revealed in truth, sacrifice, and the quiet strength of the human spirit.
Ordinary Heroes shifts the lens from fantasy to reality—paying tribute to the heroes of 9/11 through a story that is raw, redemptive, and deeply human. This film honors their legacy not with spectacle, but with heart—inviting audiences to reflect, heal, and rediscover what it truly means to be a hero.
Through this narrative, we hope to bridge generations and communities, inspire empathy, and remind the world that redemption is not only possible—it’s powerful.
— Chaise Cortes De Vargas, Director
Ordinary Heroes Trailer
Father Peter,
consumed by grief, guilt, and unresolved pain at the loss of his son on 911, is spiraling toward self-destruction...
In the heart of New York City, where the echoes of 9/11 still linger, a grieving FDNY chaplain faces his darkest hour...
On the day he intends to ending it all, he faces an extraordinary reckoning laying bare his anger, grief, and the deep-seated resentment toward himself, the world, and the God he serves.
The Storyline