A Journey from Illinois to Venice: "Letters from Drancy" Premieres at 80th Venice International Film Festival
In collaboration with the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, we are delighted to share that "Letters from Drancy" has been chosen for its World Premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival. This honour not only brings immense recognition to us at East City Films but also underscores the impactful nature of the story we've had the pleasure of telling.
The film, centering on the incredible story of survival and resilience of Holocaust survivor Marion Deichmann, leverages cutting-edge technology to narrate a deeply touching aspect of human history.
Offering a powerful immersive experience, "Letters from Drancy" draws viewers into Marion's world. She recounts her life as a young girl in Nazi-occupied Paris, the painful separation from her mother, her escape with assistance from the French Resistance, and her vivid memories of the D-Day bombings in Normandy. Through this film, audiences can connect with Marion’s journey and resilience in a uniquely moving way.
Our acclaimed director, Darren Emerson, has masterfully used 360 video technology, 3D environments, motion capture, and a spatial soundtrack to recreate Marion’s poignant memories, delivering an experience that feels incredibly immediate and real.
The partnership with the Illinois Holocaust Museum and the film’s debut at the Venice International Film Festival emphasises its global importance, particularly in these demanding times marked by rising antisemitism and hatred. We are proud to be part of this global conversation, inspiring audiences with Marion's compelling narrative.
"Letters from Drancy" is also a touching tribute to Marion’s mother and the millions who perished during the Holocaust. Her story of love and loss demonstrates the indomitable strength of the human spirit, promoting empathy, compassion, and understanding.
“We are honoured to have Letters from Drancy premiering at the Venice International Film Festival. I’m so proud of the Museum, East City Films, and most importantly Marion Deichmann for sharing her story which brought the film to life.”
Filmed in Paris and Normandy, this innovative VR documentary blends archival images and documents, with live video and animation, painting a vibrant picture of life before and during the war. The film is scheduled to premiere to the public at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in October.
All of us at East City Films feel deeply privileged to have played a role in such a significant project. Collaborating with the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Marion Deichmann on "Letters from Drancy" has been an inspirational journey, and we eagerly look forward to sharing Marion’s story with the world.
Achieving such a remarkable feat would not have been possible without the dedication and talent of our long-term partners and team members. We extend our heartfelt thanks to All Seeing Eye, Conan Roberts, Transmission TX, 1618 Digital, Target 3D, Box Deluxe, and Shapes In Motion. Special thanks also go to Andrew Brooke and his crew in France and our cherished East City Films production team Micaela Blitz, Viviana Cabral, Rachael Sutton, and Stacey Arthur. Your efforts and contributions have been invaluable in bringing "Letters from Drancy" to life.
Keep an eye out for additional information regarding Venice and the upcoming museum release. Thank you for your ongoing support.