When a major disaster strikes, the world pays attention during the brief period when the destruction takes place, but few understand the long-term human cost from these disasters. Out of the over 7,500 sets of parents who lost their only children in the Sichuan Earthquake, approximately 3,500 couples went on to have another child. This irreversible shift in their life trajectories not only impacts those who experienced the trauma, but also their children born after the disasters. Our longitudinal, immersive investigation into the lived realities of these families will provide much needed insights into the psychological effects of major disasters. After The Rain is a quintessential Chinese story, scrutinizing the parent-child relationship, the foundation of Chinese society. And, unlike much of Western literature and thinking, traditional Chinese culture does not celebrate individuality. Many in older generations do not fully comprehend that one person—one child—cannot substitute for another. This puts tremendous pressure on the younger generation, but does not deter them from finding their own identity. This film leads our audiences through a complex examination in the evolving value of individual life and identity.