SYNOPSIS
Deadly Deceit: Asbestos, 9/11 and the Great American Lie is a character-driven, investigative, and emotionally powerful feature documentary from the award-winning production company Believe Limited, produced in partnership with longtime asbestos patient advocate Jessica Blackford-Cleeton.
It exposes the long-delayed but entirely predictable consequences of asbestos exposure—from 9/11 to present-day policies—through the eyes of patients, families, doctors, researchers, policy-makers, and the advocates fighting to hold power accountable. It asks: Who knew, and who ignored the warnings? Why do legal systems protect institutions but restrict victims? And what happens now—before another generation is left breathing in betrayal?
Built for major festivals, global distribution, and national impact campaigns, Deadly Deceit is more than a film. It is a platform for truth, accountability, and change. By illuminating the full scope of asbestos’s legacy, the film will also amplify efforts to fund critical research into treatments—advancing medical breakthroughs that are possible if attention and investment catch up to the need.
And it will pressure policy-makers whose inaction continues to endanger lives, reminding them: looking away is no longer an option.
Email producers Patrick James Lynch or Jessica Blackford-Cleeton to support the project.
VOICES
Survivors & Caregivers: Heather Von St James, Jessica Blackford-Cleeton, John Anderson sharing firsthand the human toll of asbestos exposure
Medical Experts: Dr. Raja Flores, Dr. Richard Lemen, Dr. Dan Sterman leading voices on mesothelioma, public health, and medical justice
Legal & Advocacy Leaders: Ken Feinberg, Lt. Cmdr. Carl Jewett, Michael Barasch exposing systemic failures and fighting for accountability
Policy & Government Figures: Christine Todd Whitman, Rep. Dan Goldman, Thomas Kean illuminating decisions made and consequences faced
Public Advocates: Jon Stewart, Gale Brewer galvanizing attention, action, and long-overdue change
ARCHIVAL MATERIAL
New Interviews: Heather Von St James, Jessica Blackford-Cleeton, John Anderson sharing firsthand the human toll of asbestos exposure
Media Accounts: Dr. Raja Flores, Dr. Richard Lemen, Dr. Dan Sterman leading voices on mesothelioma, public health, and medical justice
Home Movies & UGC: Ken Feinberg, Lt. Cmdr. Carl Jewett, Michael Barasch exposing systemic failures and fighting for accountability
Senate & Congressional Testimony: Christine Todd Whitman, Rep. Dan Goldman, Thomas Kean illuminating decisions made and consequences faced
Court Records: Jon Stewart, Gale Brewer galvanizing attention, action, and long-overdue change
Email producers Patrick James Lynch or Jessica Blackford-Cleeton to support the project.
PATRICK JAMES LYNCH (PROD/DIR)
Patrick James Lynch is a filmmaker, media professional, and globally-recognized health advocate. Credits include documentaries Bombardier Blood (2020, director/producer; EP Alex Borstein), the Discovery+ & Peacock TV documentary My Beautiful Sutter (2021, EP’s Mariska Hargitay, Paul Rudd). Currently in post-prod on the 2026 documentary Deliver Us, a powerful account of Black midwives and birthing people navigating the deadly U.S. birthing system, and sometimes, i think about dying (EP, Sundance 2019, Oscars 2020 shortlist), Ryan's Mom (2024, producer/writer, in development w/ Jersey Films & Rocket Pictures)
RYAN GIELEN (PROD/DIR)
Ryan Gielen is a filmmaker whose work has been distributed around the world by diverse outlets including Netflix, Hulu, Discovery+, Peacock TV, SkyTV, NHK Japan, YES Israel, Al Jazeera, GIANT Pictures, and Alamo Drafthouse Films. Currently in post-prod on the 2026 documentary Deliver Us, a powerful account of Black midwives and birthing people navigating the deadly U.S. birthing system. Producing/Directing credits include the award-winning Discovery+ & Peacock TV documentary My Beautiful Stutter (2021), from producers Paul Rudd and Mariska Hargitay. Executive producer of sometimes, i think about dying (Sundance 2019, Academy Award-shortlisted 2020). Executive Producer, Ryan's Mom (2024, in development w/ Jersey Films & Rocket Pictures).
JESSICA BLACKFORD-CLEETON (PRODUCER, PATIENT)
Peritoneal mesothelioma patient, mom, blogger, writer, and advocate. She graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University with her Bachelor of Science in University Studies/Museology and a minor in history. She is also a multi-time graduate of the National Fire Academy. Jessica has worked extensively with nonprofits, having chaired the boards for Illinois Risk Watch and Illinois Remembering When, both public safety programs. She is a member of the National Honor Society and serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
Email producers Patrick James Lynch or Jessica Blackford-Cleeton to support the project.