Escape To Shanghai
As the number of Holocaust survivors diminishes, preserving their stories becomes more urgent than ever. At East City Films, we understand this responsibility. Under the guidance of Kelley Szany from the Illinois Holocaust Museum, we created Escape to Shanghai, a powerful tribute to history. This collaboration between Kelley, Director Charlotte Mikkelborg, Executive Producer Ashley Cowan, and Creative Director Darren Emerson showcases how technology and storytelling can come together to preserve the past.

Director Charlotte Mikkelborg, known for her compelling VR stories, played a key role in bringing Doris’s journey to life. Her approach ensured that audiences didn’t just hear Doris’s story but experienced it. With the support of All Seeing Eye, 1618 Digital, Transmission TX, producer Micaela Blitz, and post-production expert Conan Roberts, we’ve created an immersive retelling of history.
This project reflects the strength of collaboration. Our vision at East City Films aligned with the Illinois Holocaust Museum’s commitment to historical accuracy. Together, we combined cinematic storytelling with VR expertise to create a meaningful and impactful experience.
At the heart of Escape to Shanghai is Doris Fogel’s courage in sharing her story. Her voice ensures that the lessons of the Holocaust remain vivid, reminding us all of the importance of remembrance.
"A fascinating story told through a stunning blend of 360 video, cinematic VR, and CGI."
- Voices Of VR

The journey of Escape to Shanghai from concept to completion has been a rewarding experience for East City Films. With the support of our trusted collaborators and our collective expertise, we continue to push boundaries in VR storytelling. Our goal remains the same: to tell stories that educate and deeply connect with audiences.






























