East City Films' Momentous Collaboration With Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
We at East City Films are incredibly proud to announce our collaboration with the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. This journey, which started in January 2022, has resulted in the creation of three poignant Virtual Reality (VR) documentaries, each one recounting the resilience, courage, and hope of individual Holocaust survivors.
Launching the series on August 1st at the museum in Skokie, Illinois is "Walk To Westerbork," under the skilled direction of Mary Matheson. This documentary shares the compelling survival story of Rodi Glass, traced through her personal journey from Amsterdam, Westerbork transit camp, to Vittel internment camp. Filmed on location in the Netherlands, France, and the United States, "Walk to Westerbork" echoes the resilience and love that define the human spirit.
Following this, the museum presents "Escape To Shanghai," expertly directed by Charlotte Mikkelborg. This immersive experience follows Doris Fogel's epic journey from Nazi Germany to Shanghai, China, weaving a narrative of survival and resilience amidst adversity. Filmed on location in Shanghai, Chicago, and Berlin, "Escape to Shanghai" invites the audience to journey with Doris and her family as they navigate life amidst 20,000 Jewish refugees.
Concluding the series is the powerful "Letters From Drancy," under the brilliant direction of Darren Emerson. This film takes you through Marion Deichmann's heartbreaking journey of survival and her enduring bond with her mother. Filmed on location in Paris and Normandy, France, "Letters from Drancy" underscores the unwavering courage and human spirit in the face of hatred.
Our VR partners All Seeing Eye played a pivotal role in bringing these documentaries to life, producing the interactive and CGI elements that immerse the audience in each survivor's story. All three documentaries were brought together by our meticulous producer, Micaela Blitz, whose tireless efforts ensured every detail was captured with care and respect.
“We are deeply humbled and honored to have collaborated with the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center and these remarkable survivors. It has been a profound experience working with these brave individuals and witnessing their stories come to life in a new, immersive medium.”
As we anticipate the launch of these groundbreaking documentaries, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude. To the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, the survivors, and everyone else involved, we extend our heartfelt thanks.
Join us in honoring these powerful narratives and be part of this inspiring journey of human resilience.
For more information on the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center please check out their website. It’s truly an amazing place.