Michael Shulan, the creative director of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, faced a daunting task in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Appointed to lead the museum's development, he envisioned a space for reflection and engagement. Over eight years, Shulan documented his experiences, from initial optimism to growing disillusionment as the project evolved. By the museum's opening in 2014, he felt it resembled a tourist attraction rather than a site for meaningful historical discourse. Shulan left shortly after, grappling with the outcome of his dream job.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Follow Michael Shulan's experience with the museum's creation.
See the transformation of a memorial into a tourist attraction.
Meet the creative director who left after the museum opened.

Did You Know

The Outsider was directed by Steven Rosenbaum and Pamela Yoder.
Michael Shulan served as the creative director for the museum.
The film covers an eight-year span from the September 11 attacks to 2014.
The documentary premiered on Facebook in August 2021.

Perfect For

September 11 historyMuseum studiesNew York City landmarks

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed The Outsider?

The Outsider was directed by Steven Rosenbaum and Pamela Yoder.

What is the main focus of The Outsider?

The film follows the journey of Michael Shulan, the creative director of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, from the September 11 attacks to the museum's opening in 2014.

When did The Outsider premiere?

The Outsider premiered on Facebook in August 2021.

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

1h12m

Interviewing Children Who Lost Their Parents on 9/11

2018•1h12m

More than 3,000 children in America lost a parent on September 11, 2001, some just days old and others yet to be born.

Interviewing Children Who Lost Their Parents on 9/11

2018

23m

Former CIA Deputy Director Apologizes for Flawed Iraq War Intel

2015•23m

Michael Morell served as the CIA's daily briefer with President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001, during the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Former CIA Deputy Director Apologizes for Flawed Iraq War Intel

2015

1h53m

America After 9/11

2021•1h53m

U.S. responses to the September 11 attacks shaped national security policies and political landscapes, influencing events from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the January 6 insurrection.

America After 9/11

2021

1h12m

The Untold Stories of 9/11 Children

2026•1h12m

Children of 9/11 share their personal stories of trauma and resilience, reflecting on the impact of losing parents in the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The Untold Stories of 9/11 Children

2026

1h12m

Interviewing The Children Who Lost Their Parents on 9/11

2018•1h12m

More than 3,000 children lost a parent in the 9/11 attacks, with some only days old and others yet to be born.

Interviewing The Children Who Lost Their Parents on 9/11

2018

2h56m

Remembering 9/11: Aftermath of a National Tragedy

2025•2h56m

4,500 planes were in the air during the September 11 attacks as the FAA declared ATC Zero, grounding all flights across the United States.

Remembering 9/11: Aftermath of a National Tragedy

2025

1h32m

Memorials for the Future

2016•1h32m

Washington, DC, hosts a panel of experts discussing the future of memorials and their role in shaping America's identity and collective memory.

Memorials for the Future

2016

1h30m

The Untold Story of 9/11 Families

2026•1h30m

Families of 9/11 victims continue to seek answers and justice, grappling with their grief and advocating for a deeper investigation into the events of September 11, 2001.

The Untold Story of 9/11 Families

2026

28m

Opening of The New National Archives Museum-Nov 21

2025•28m

On November 21, 2025, the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. hosts a dedication ceremony for The American Story and Discovery Center.

Opening of The New National Archives Museum-Nov 21

2025

1h6m

Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History

2019•1h6m

The 1918 influenza pandemic killed more people worldwide than combat during World War One.

Influenza: The Hundred Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History

2019

22m

Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi

2025•22m

In ancient Greece, the Oracle of Delphi was a significant religious center where priestesses conveyed prophecies from the god Apollo.

Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi

2025

47m

Why Did Nasa Secretly Send 6 Men To The Bottom Of The Ocean In 1969?

2026•47m

In July 1969, NASA conducted a secret experiment involving six men in the PX-15 submarine, exploring the depths of the Gulf Stream for 30 days.

Why Did Nasa Secretly Send 6 Men To The Bottom Of The Ocean In 1969?

2026

Explore The Outsider

Trailer People Deep Dive Topics FAQ Stream

Where else to watch

1h35m

16 Acres

2012•1h35m•★7.3TMDB

A decade-long struggle unfolds over the redevelopment of Ground Zero, involving politicians, architects, and victims' families with conflicting visions for the site.

16 Acres

2012

1h34m

9/11: The Day That Changed the World

2011•1h34m•★8.3TMDB

A timeline from 6 am to midnight details the events of September 11, 2001, and their global impact, reflecting on the aftermath a decade later.

9/11: The Day That Changed the World

2011

1h59m

7 Days in September

2002•1h59m•★8.3TMDB

Footage from 27 filmmakers captures the chaos in New York City during the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

7 Days in September

2002

1h29m

Surviving 9/11

2021•1h29m•★7.2TMDB

Thirteen survivors recount their experiences from September 11, 2001, detailing the lasting effects of that day on their lives two decades later.

Surviving 9/11

2021

Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero

2011•1h•★6.0TMDB

On September 11, 2011, President Barack Obama attended the unveiling of the new memorial and commercial complex at the 16-acre Ground Zero site.

Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero

2011

55m

Witness to 9/11: In the Shadows of Ground Zero

2020•55m•★6.0TMDB

Never-before-seen footage captures the chaos of September 11, 2001, as New Yorkers confront the immediate aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks.

Witness to 9/11: In the Shadows of Ground Zero

2020

1h11m

9/11: The Falling Man

2006•1h11m•★7.1TMDB

One photograph of a man falling from the North Tower during the September 11 attacks became a symbol of the tragedy and raised ethical questions in media.

9/11: The Falling Man

2006

1h14m

The Museum

2017•1h14m•★8.2TMDB

Over 18 months, director Ran Tal documents the daily operations and diverse characters at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

The Museum

2017

Browse more like this

1h53m

America After 9/11

2021•1h53m

U.S. responses to the September 11 attacks shaped national security policies and political landscapes, influencing events from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the January 6 insurrection.

America After 9/11

2021

No digital watch option in your country

2h56m

Remembering 9/11: Aftermath of a National Tragedy

2025•2h56m

4,500 planes were in the air during the September 11 attacks as the FAA declared ATC Zero, grounding all flights across the United States.

Remembering 9/11: Aftermath of a National Tragedy

2025

No digital watch option in your country

1h30m

The Untold Story of 9/11 Families

2026•1h30m

Families of 9/11 victims continue to seek answers and justice, grappling with their grief and advocating for a deeper investigation into the events of September 11, 2001.

The Untold Story of 9/11 Families

2026

No digital watch option in your country

2h8m

9-Nov

2002•2h8m•★7.9TMDB

On September 11, 2001, two French filmmakers document the experiences of a rookie firefighter in New York City during the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.

9-Nov

2002

1h7m

Collateral Damages

2003•1h7m•★10.0TMDB

New York City firefighters confront emotional and mental health issues following the September 11 attacks.

Collateral Damages

2003

1h28m

Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film

1998•1h28m•★7.6TMDB

Abraham Zapruder's footage of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas on November 22, 1963, is digitally remastered to reveal new details and its impact on public perception.

Image of an Assassination: A New Look at the Zapruder Film

1998