Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
3 Virtual Reality Documentaries
In a remarkable blend of artistic storytelling and innovative technology, East City Films has recently completed an extraordinary venture in collaboration with the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. The result? Three profoundly moving Virtual Reality (VR) documentaries that delve into the survival tales of Holocaust survivors.
This overview illustrates the intricate work and commitment that brought each story to life, detailing our collaboration, production, and the powerful narratives that emerged.
Unfurling the Stories: Global Filming and World-Class Direction
Each film required an intricate approach to convey the survivors' experiences. Traveling to multiple international locations, including the Netherlands, France, United States, Shanghai, Chicago, and Berlin, our production team was able to capture the real-life landscapes of these histories.
Walk To Westerbork
The series begins with "Walk to Westerbork," directed by the talented Mary Matheson. Filmed on location in the Netherlands, France, and the United States, this film traces the incredible survival journey of Rodi Glass from Amsterdam to the Westerbork transit camp, and eventually to the Vittel internment camp.
Escape To Shanghai
Charlotte Mikkelborg, an expert in the field, directed "Escape to Shanghai," the immersive narrative of Doris Fogel's perilous escape from Nazi Germany to Shanghai. The story takes the audience through Doris's journey, filmed on location in Shanghai, Chicago, and Berlin, presenting a tale of survival in the face of immense adversity.
Letters From Drancy
Closing the series is the deeply affecting "Letters From Drancy," directed by Darren Emerson. This film takes the audience through Marion Deichmann's harrowing experiences, underscoring her indomitable spirit amidst horrifying circumstances. Filmed on location in Paris and Normandy, France, the narrative paints a haunting picture of life during the Holocaust.
The Role of Technology: Advanced VR Implementation
The immersive nature of these documentaries is a testament to the advanced VR technology employed. With the expertise of our VR partners, All Seeing Eye, the stories come alive through interactive CGI elements that place the viewer within each survivor's journey.
From 360-degree video technology and 3D environments to stylized animation and immersive soundscapes, the audience is not just viewing the narrative; they're experiencing it, fostering a deep and emotional connection with the stories.
Global Premiere and the Road Ahead
The journey of these documentaries continues to unfold. After their debut at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, the films are set to resonate with international audiences via film festival releases. The first such accolade has already been achieved by "Letters from Drancy," earning its World Premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival.
East City Films: Dedication Meets Excellence
The success of this endeavor is a tribute to the dedication, expertise, and experience of the East City Films team. From meticulous planning and production to unwavering attention to detail, our team's commitment has been a driving force behind these projects.
With this overview of our collaboration with the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, we hope to share our pride and gratitude for being part of such an impactful project. We eagerly anticipate the continued journey of these documentaries, inspiring audiences worldwide with stories of human resilience.
"Their stories. Our craft. One shared history."