Meet the Filmmakers
The Space Between was created by a team of storytellers, thinkers, and community members united by one mission—to help Americans understand what divides us and rediscover what connects us. Together, they bring a mix of journalism, filmmaking, and heart to a project built on empathy and truth.
Creative Team
Emily Arndt
First-time filmmaker Emily Arndt is the Director and Producer of The Space Between, a feature-length documentary exploring why Americans feel divided—and what still connects us. Originally from the Philadelphia area and raised in New Jersey, Emily earned her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Photography from York College of Pennsylvania, and later completed a Master’s in Political Communication from American University.
Her path to filmmaking began through service and curiosity. After volunteering with AmeriCorps and serving in the Peace Corps in Azerbaijan, Emily worked in both the federal government and political campaigns before turning to film as a way to bridge understanding.
The Space Between began as her graduate thesis and evolved into a nationwide movement for empathy and dialogue. Emily creates this film not for personal gain, but to give her fellow Americans hope that we can heal—and find common ground again.
She is deeply grateful to the entire create team for their dedication and artistic service.
Barbara Barr
Executive Producer Barbara Barr is an award-winning journalist whose career has spanned news, sports, and international reporting. At WGAL-TV, she led the station’s political coverage, including the 2008 Presidential Election, which earned the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award.
Barbara has interviewed everyone from U.S. Presidents to Super Bowl MVPs and Olympians, and received the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal for her reporting on the National Guard in war. She has anchored sports in Boston, MA, and Portland, ME, and served as a commentator in London, England, where she also played professional basketball.
A member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame, and the McCaskey High School Hall of Fame, Barbara continues to give back through her service on several boards, including the Salvation Army of Lancaster County. She currently works as a freelance journalist, communications consultant, and speaker.
Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Barbara enjoys traveling, sports, and reading.
Production Team
Erin Draxler
Camera Operator
Ted Everett
Director of Photography
Wayne Hill, Jr
Camera Operator
Emily McDonnell
Director of Photography
MEEGAN MCILVAINE
Camera operator
Sam Pappagallo
Director of Photography, Sound operator, and
Sound Mixer/Designer
Katie Simbala
Camera Operator
Ryan Wilson
Camera Operator
