Escape To Shanghai

As the firsthand accounts of Holocaust survivors become increasingly scarce, the urgency to preserve these narratives has never been greater. At East City Films, there's a profound understanding of this responsibility. Guided by the fervent leadership of the Illinois Holocaust Museum's Kelley Szany, the company has sculpted a poignant testament to history with "Escape to Shanghai". The synergy between Executive Producer Ashley Cowan and Creative Director Darren Emerson from East City Films and Kelley at the museum epitomises the marriage of technology and passion, setting new standards in storytelling.

Berlin Meets Shanghai: Traversing Doris Fogel's Time Capsule

Central to this immersive journey is the compelling narrative of Doris Fogel. From the sinister shadows of Kristallnacht in Berlin, we tread her path to sanctuary in wartime Shanghai. With the iconic backdrops of both cities as our canvas, the deft direction of Charlotte Mikkelborg effortlessly paints the highs and lows, the tears and triumphs Doris experienced during these defining times.

Innovative Filmmaking: Where Heart Meets Hologram

The prowess of Charlotte Mikkelborg, renowned for her evocative VR narratives, was pivotal. Her touch ensured that we didn't merely narrate Doris's tale, but lived it with her. With the technological expertise of All Seeing Eye, 1618 Digital, and Transmission TX, and insights from our producer Micaela Blitz and the post-production wizardry of Conan Roberts, we've crafted a rich tapestry of history infused with groundbreaking immersion.

Harmony in Motion: The Power of Partnership

This project wasn't just a fusion of narratives but of dynamic collaborations. Our vision at East City Films harmonised seamlessly with Kelley Szany and her dedicated team's ethos at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. The synergy between our cinematic aspirations and their dedication to historical veracity, further amplified by our experience in virtual reality filmmaking, has birthed a VR masterpiece poised to touch souls worldwide.

A Salute to Doris Fogel: The Heart of Our Tale

Doris Fogel's valour in sharing her traumatic past is the pulsating heart of "Escape to Shanghai". It's through her voice that the haunting reverberations of the Holocaust find a renewed resonance, reinforcing our responsibility to never forget.

Navigating Tomorrow: A Glimpse into the Future of Storytelling

The evolution of "Escape to Shanghai" from its initial concept to its cinematic realisation has instilled a tangible anticipation within the walls of East City Films. Supported by our long-term collaborators and harnessing a wealth of collective expertise, the company boldly forges ahead in the VR domain. The central mission remains clear: to weave narratives that not only inform but deeply resonate.

ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER PRESENT
AN EAST CITY FILMS PRODUCTION

ESCAPE TO SHANGHAI

DIRECTED BY CHARLOTTE MIKKELBORG | PRODUCED BY MICAELA BLITZ | EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS EAST CITY FILMS - ASHLEY COWAN & DARREN EMERSON | EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER - KELLEY SZANY, ARIELLE WEININGER, AMANDA FRIEDEMAN & LEAH RAUCH | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - JON BOYCE ANDREW YARDLEY | POST-PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR - CONAN ROBERTS | SOUND DESIGN -1.618 DIGITAL | VR PRODUCTION PARTNER - ALL SEEING EYE |
WITH THANKS DORIS FOGEL

BEHIND THE SCENES

STILLS