AFTER THE STORM
After the Storm follows the production of the musical Once on this Island from auditions through performances and also includes the story of each young actor’s life in the wake of Katrina. The focus is not on rescues, evacuations and losses, but on survival, hopes and dreams.
The film explores the cultural landscape of New Orleans as seen through the eyes of these teenage artists. The goal of the film -- through character development and a narrative scene structure -- is to create an emotional and entertaining storytelling experience that celebrates the spirit and culture of New Orleans at a specific point in history. After the Storm depicts a unique American city and how it is beginning to piece itself back together. The film also explores how art can be used as a tool for healing and growth and the power a community wields by sharing its story, locally and beyond.
Filmmaker Hilla Medalia gently explores the young actors’ daily lives, how they are coping with a struggling school system, limited job opportunities and the loss of family members and friends. Through their eyes, the film’s audiences can view the recent history of New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina’s impact through the lens of a group of talented young people.
"A big, warm hug of feel-better entertainment."
"Hilla Medalia’s powerful, absorbing After the Storm reveals a New Orleans that most of us have never seen before."
"Editing by Medalia's co-writer, Bob Eisenhardt, keeps the energy up, and the film does a fine job of highlighting this specific musical production while also doing justice to the larger social canvas."
"...inspiring tale, in which art provides in-need kids with both an escape from daily hardship and a vehicle for restoring confidence in themselves and the future."
Festivals:
Los Angeles Film Festival, 2009
Aspen Film Festival, 2009
Alexandria Film Festival, 2009
Heartland FIlm Festival, 2009
Woodstock Film Festival, 2009
Awards:
Audience Award, Woodstock Film Festival