After the Storm

New Zealand Premiere

What happens when teens with nothing but devastated homes and lost dreams meet three Broadway vets in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward?

After the Storm takes you on an inspirational journey as New York actors travel to New Orleans to work with local teens on a production of Once on this Island, a Broadway musical echoing the real life events of Hurricane Katrina. The film follows the production of the musical from auditions through performances
and also includes the story of each young actor’s life in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Peabody Award-winning director Medalia gently explores their daily lives, how they are coping with a struggling school system, limited job opportunities and the loss of family members and friends. The focus is not on rescues, evacuations and losses, but on survival, hopes and dreams.

An emotional and entertaining storytelling experience celebrating the spirit and culture of New Orleans, the film is about how a community comes together to share its story. While hammer and nails can help rebuild houses, art can help revitalize the passion of a community.