Walk To Westerbork

Leveraging immersive filmmaking technology, East City Films has collaborated with the Illinois Holocaust Museum to give voice to untold stories from history's darkest chapters. "Walk to Westerbork" stands testament to this - not just as a virtual reality film but as an intimate bridge to a survivor’s heartrending past.

Rodi's Tapestry: A Journey from Amsterdam to Westerbork

At the heart of our narrative is Rodi Glass. Her Amsterdam of 1936, bathed in familial love and dreams, was soon obscured by the chilling shadow of World War II. From the foreboding march of German boots echoing through Amsterdam’s streets to the grim confines of concentration camps, Rodi's chronicle shines a light on the resilience inherent in the human spirit. Her evocative tesimony laid the foundation for "Walk to Westerbork", embedding it with raw emotion.

Mary Matheson: Crafting Emotion in Virtual Reality

It's one thing to narrate a tale; it's quite another to pull viewers into its very heart. Our director, Mary Matheson, a veteran in VR storytelling with laudable projects for Google Daydream & YouTube VR under her belt, achieved just this. With her touch, "Walk to Westerbork" evolved from a mere recount to an immersive journey through Rodi’s memories.

Technology and Artistry: Perfectly Intertwined

Our collaboration with pioneers like All Seeing Eye, leaders in VR interactive design, and the motion capture experts at Target 3D, elevated "Walk to Westerbork" beyond standard VR experiences. Viewers don't just watch Rodi's world; they live it. The technical brilliance marries seamlessly with the narrative, allowing every sentiment to be felt and every remembrance to echo.

“At East City Films, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling. ‘Walk to Westerbork’ is more than a VR experience; it’s a deeply personal journey into the resilience of the human spirit during one of history’s darkest hours. Through the poignant recollections of Rodi Waterman Glass, we’ve endeavored to craft an immersive narrative that not only educates but deeply moves its audience. It’s our tribute to the indomitable spirit of every Holocaust survivor, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.”

— Ashley Cowan, CEO & Executive Producer, East City Films

An Ensemble of Creative Brilliance

Behind this monumental project lies a symphony of creatives. Apart from the steadfast support of our home team at East City Films, led by the Producer Micaela Blitz, the genius of All Seeing Eye, Conan Roberts, 1618 Digital, and Transmission TX was pivotal. Every aspect of the film, set against iconic historical backdrops like Kamp Westerbork and the Holocaust Memorial in Amsterdam, exudes authenticity and depth.

A Family's Heartbeat: Echoing through History

Central to our endeavour was Rodi’s Chicago-based family. Their warmth and eagerness to participate added layers of authenticity, culminating in the film's touching final sequences, tracing Rodi’s journey from the historical lanes of Amsterdam to the familial embrace in Chicago.

Experience History at the Illinois Holocaust Museum

For those yearning for a potent blend of history, emotion, and innovative storytelling, "Walk to Westerbork" stands ready at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie. This isn’t merely a VR expedition; it's a heartfelt tribute to endurance, history, and the undying spirit of humanity.

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

WALK TO WESTERBORK

DIRECTED BY MARY MATHESON | 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 | LEAD SPONSORS - RODI & MARVIN GLASS FAMILY FOUNDATION | 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 RODI GLASS