Posted by jp in - from John Priddy
I’m thinking you’ll like the trailer for “After the Storm.” Check it out as here we prepare to take the film out and about. I also think that you will like James Lecesne’s description of all that is happening with the foundation as well.
Watching “After the Storm” with an audience for the very first time was an unbelievable experience. Hilla Medalia’s second film is far different from her first, but her talent for connecting to an audience is great once again. The surreal part of my viewing experience was that the work in progress screening was at the American Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic. There we were — among Angelus filmmakers (link), Windrider participants, American ex-pats, and the Czech cinema community — watching and talking about the greatest natural disaster in American history.
Hurricane Katrina struck more than two years ago, but the devastation portrayed on-screen seems as fresh as when Medalia, with James Lecesne, first pitched the film and concept. I will never forget the driving rain storm that day in New York City when my brother Ed and I showed up at the Bryant Park Café, sopping wet and not knowing we were about to become part of a project that would make its own tsunami. Lecesne and Medalia seem to command the very wind.
The audience response in Prague was strong, and I could’nt help but think the timing of this film is so appropriate — presented now, with a new sense of American humility and a heartfelt acknowledgement that the world is getting smaller and the need for community is getting bigger. With a new audience, in a foreign land, I saw our film afresh, and welcome it as part of the broader conversation going on today.
Gerry McIntire’s line from “After the Storm” really sticks in mind: “This film is about how love and community can overcome any disaster.”
Humility, love and community — I like these themes. And I look forward to the journey ahead with a great team.
A couple of other fun video’s
After the Storm – Extended Trailer
Ralph Winter, American film producer with Director, Hilla Medalia and John Priddy in Prague
"After the Storm" - Work in progress screening at Prague.
John Priddy and Hilla Medalia at Windrider Forum in Prague
