As the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks approaches, a new documentary short titled “Top of the World” is being aired on CNN. The film, directed by Oscar nominees Betsy West and Julie Cohen, revisits the legendary Windows on the World restaurant that once occupied the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower.
Founded in 1976 by restaurateur Joe Baum, the venue became a cultural landmark and the highest‑grossing restaurant in America, drawing celebrities, tourists and New York business leaders. The 450‑person staff came from more than 60 countries, creating a tight‑knit community that celebrated diverse traditions.
Sekou Siby, an immigrant from the Ivory Coast, had swapped his morning shift for an afternoon slot on September 11, 2001, allowing him to avoid the morning crew that was trapped when Flight 11 struck the North Tower. The decision saved his life, while 79 employees and 91 guests perished.
In the days after the attacks, surviving staff set up an emergency hotline and worked to locate missing colleagues. With many workers speaking different languages, hostesses like Nathalie Tolentino became crucial links for families across Latin America seeking news.
Siby later earned advanced degrees and helped found Restaurant Opportunities Centers United to support restaurant workers. He reflects that the loss of friends in one day creates a trauma no ordinary life can match, and that nothing will ever replace Windows on the World.
