With the Syrian conflict firmly rooted in its sixth year, millions of people continue to be torn away from all they’ve ever known, fleeing the perilous war zone on their doorsteps.
After Spring is the story of what happens next; what it’s like to live in Zaatari, the largest camp for Syrian refugees. Experience the pain, love and hope, as you follow the emotional journeys of two refugee families in their upheaval and transition, as well as the selfless aid workers fighting to keep the camp running.
Incredibly poignant and remarkably positive, After Spring delves into the unseen side of the Syrian conflict: the real communities affected by the vast destruction. These extraordinary people, who despite their horrific experiences, manage to not only survive – but thrive – against all odds, in the barren landscape which they have been forced to call home.
With no end in sight for the conflict or this refugee crisis, everyone must decide if they can rebuild their lives in a place that was never meant to be permanent.
Ellen is a documentary director, producer and writer. She directed and produced “After Spring,” a feature documentary about the Syrian refugee crisis. The film was Executive Produced by Jon Stewart and supported in part by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. “After Spring” had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2016, was broadcast on STARZ and is the recipient of a Frontline Award for Documentary Journalism. The film screened at 100+ film festivals world wide, including a screening at the U.S. Capitol. Recently, she worked on the documentary “Down a Dark Stairwell” which premiered at True/False Film Festival 2020, is screening at Human Rights Watch Film Festival, and will be broadcast on Independent Lens in 2021. She has also worked as a producer/writer on a documentary series with Catalyst Films and Participant Media. Ellen attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and was an honoree as a director on DOC NYCs inaugural "40 Under 40" list.
