Pandemic. Resilience. Hope.

 

The Film

Filmed entirely during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s taken more than three years to weave together the inspiring and sometimes harrowing stories of the Newporters who pulled together in the face of uncertainty. Overcoming the pandemic inspired innovation and flexibility in government, non-profits, businesses and in individuals.

Although ongoing serious issues persist for the beautiful City by the Sea, the challenges of the pandemic helped Newporters rediscover their resilience, rebuild their community bonds, and rekindle their sense of hope.

 

The film includes the rich and varied perspectives of more than 100 Newport residents.

From dedicated visiting nurses, risking it all to attend to the most vulnerable to local business owners and entrepreneurs forced to close their doors, Newport: In This Together provides an unprecedented real-time narrative of life on Aquidneck Island during the pandemic and social unrest of post-George Floyd America. In a time when political divisiveness threatens the very fiber of our democracy, this film reminds us that the human experience bonds us all.

  • The film adds new depth to the beauty of our historic seaside community by capturing the stories of resilience and kindness that ensured hope prevailed through the challenges of COVID.

    — Xay Khamsyvoravong
    Mayor, City of Newport

  • As I reflect on the equity and economic challenges that this pandemic exposed, I am reminded of the power of the connections of the human spirit to bring diverse perspectives together and overcome those adversities.

    — Nicole Alexander-Scott
    CEO, Nicole Alexander-Scott LLC
    Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine, Health Services, Policy & Practices, Brown University
    Senior Executive Consultant, ASTHO

  • The film skillfully tells the story of Newport residents, revealing their community's resilience and dedication. This film is both moving and inspiring but most importantly serves as a reminder of the remarkable ability of a community to overcome adversity when they unite, rise above obstacles, and emerge stronger on the other side.

    — Brett Smiley
    Mayor, City of Providence

  • The story of a great American community persevering through crisis. The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic were a time of fear, loss, and uncertainty, but Rhode Islanders emerged stronger than ever by rediscovering joy in our culture, our heritage, and especially our connections to one another. Susan Sipprelle's documentary captures in equal measure the painful hardships of the pandemic and the triumphant spirit of Newport - one of America's most storied and vibrant cities.

    — Seth Magaziner
    CD2 Congressional Representative

  • The film was stunning. It brought me back to 2020 and artfully showcased everything we endured together as a community and everything we did together to help our community as a whole during a really sad and uncertain time. It was a beautiful reminder that we really are all in this together.

    —Ellen M. Pinnock
    Director of Community Engagement, FabNewport

  • Susan Sipprelle’s elegant film reminds us how powerful it is when communities stand together in the face of external threats. Filmed during the COVID crisis, the film weaves a tapestry of good will and generosity in the service of the Newport community's rallying to get itself through that grim time. Sometimes stress fractures a situation, sometimes it galvanizes it, and Ms. Sipprelle renders this story with a cool eye and a passionate heart. A welcome achievement in a world ever more divided.

    — Robb Moss
    Filmmaker and Professor, Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies, Harvard University

Team

Susan Sipprelle
Founder and Director

Award-winning documentary filmmaker and founder of Tree of Life Productions. Produced and directed NEWPORT: In This Together (2024), Soldier On: Life After Deployment (2017) and Set for Life (2012), based on the multimedia project Over 50 and Out of Work. All her documentaries are distributed by American Public Television and shown on public television stations nationwide.

Susan B. Ades
Editor

Susan has edited numerous award-winning documentary and narrative films over the past two decades. Those include FOR THE NEXT 7 GENERATIONS (2009), NRITYAGRAM: For the Love of Dance (2010), THE RESCUE OF THE JEWS OF SYRIA (2012), the comedy feature POOLING TO PARADISE (2020) the dramatic short THE SWEET TASTE OF FREEDOM (2022) and NEWPORT: In This Together (2024). She resides in New York City. pullingittogetherproductions.com

Cara Sipprelle
Digital Director

Cara Sipprelle is a digital marketer with a decade of experience leading online campaigns that activate thousands to reach and inspire millions. She helped launch and grow Success Academy Charter Schools' digital presence and was elected and served as Communications Chair for the NYC Chapter of the Women's March on Washington. Today, Cara is a freelance consultant who partners with mission-driven organizations.