I think it is important to hear the stories of those people in Louisiana who lived through hurricane Katrina. Patricia Federico has created a meaningful and important history of the survival stories of those who lived through Katrina and its immediate aftermath. The true stories, told by those who lived it are at times heart breaking but always hopeful. They come from different areas, classes, races, and sexes. However, the devastation was universal, and the struggle to survive the same for them all. It is hard to believe this is Ms. Federico's first time creating a documentary. It was particularly interesting for me, a former resident of New Orleans who evacuated a day before the storm hit. This film must watch for anyone!
5 Reviews
The film is excellent!
kimvangeffen19 January 2010
As a New Orleans Katrina survivor and one of the people that Patti Federico interviewed for the film, I can say that she accurately represented the varied emotions and problems which we experienced during and after Katrina. These stories show the courage and resiliency of the people of New Orleans in recovering from what has now been shown to be a massive failing of government. Although we are on the road to recovery, there is still much to be done. I appreciate that the film showed such respect for these Katrina stories. I am happy that people like Patti Federico have taken an interest in telling our stories. Maybe she will do a sequel!
Emotional, first hand accounts of Hurricane Katrina & her aftermath.
kbenrud19 January 2010
A disaster like Hurricane Katrina tells many stories. The initial story is the damage done by the winds, rain and storm surge. A whole new story emerged as the levees were breached. The remaining stories are still coming out, even after all this time. Katrina affected young and old, rich and poor, those who fled the city and those who stayed. As is so powerfully demonstrated in this film, the emotions that Katrina evokes are still very raw. Everyone in the region has their own story of suffering and loss. Of survival, of strength, and of starting over. The first hand accounts of what it was like to be up on a roof waiting for rescue, or in the superdome, or wading thru floodwater are hard to watch without crying. Patricia Federico has done a brilliant job weaving all these stories together. I highly recommend this film.
a moving film of strength
Jillolso1223 January 2010
The reason I liked this documentary of how the hurricane affected certain people is because of the people chosen to be a part of the film. It wasn't a dismal look on the hurricane as much as expected. Some of the people interviewed had a sense of humor while telling their story and I thought that was an important factor of this film. My favorite people were the old lady who owned the restaurant and the boy who saw his shoes floating past him. Patti and her crew did a good job of choosing who to put in this film and although it ruined a lot of people's lives, they still were able to tell outsiders the story of their survival, strength, and their journey to starting over in a bright sort of way.
The Real Thing
sternhopper19 January 2010
I totally agree with everything "calvincampany" said above. Patti Federico does an incredible job of capturing the moving stories of the broad spectrum of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The national media tended to focus on one neighborhood over and over again, but it was many neighborhoods, and different classes, and different races. You hear first hand the stories of those that stayed and personally experienced the events unfold, as well as the stories of those that evacuated, only to return weeks later to devastated homes. Pay attention and listen closely and you'll see and hear and feel the real story.
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