Thirty-nine people embarked on a dive trip off the coast of California. Only five made it back alive.
In the early morning hours of September 2, 2019 off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, a fire ignited on a popular boat named the Conception. Thirty-four people were trapped below deck and lost their lives. After multiple federal investigations, a criminal trial, and ongoing civil lawsuits, major questions remain. How did the fire start? Why were 34 people unable to escape? Who should be held responsible? And how do we prevent this from ever happening again?
An investigative journalist, director and producer, Nicole Noren produced more than 50 investigative reports and short documentaries for ESPN and recently left to make her own projects. A recipient of six Emmys, two Edward R. Murrow Awards and a Peabody, Noren has reported extensively on gender-based violence, education, health and social issues. A first generation college graduate, Noren specializes in character-driven investigative projects, and has spent her career amplifying underrepresented voices and producing high impact accountability journalism that has effected change and raised awareness on crucial topics.
Noren's film "Betsy & Irv" won the 2023 Sports Emmy in Long Feature, and her 2023 feature-length investigative documentary "LISTEN" has been viewed by over six million people on YouTube. The film recently received recognition in three national journalism competitions:
“LISTEN is a shining example of how investigative journalism can hold police systems accountable without exploiting victims of violence.” - IRE Award Judge, April 2024
“Gripping, tragic and enraging. Masterful work that reveals the sheer amount of missteps and failures by multiple authorities and institutions and the push to cover it up." - EWA Judge, May 2024
Producer - Soraya Simi
Producer - Tammy Leitner
