Still Waiting: Life After Katrina

In Still Waiting: Life After Katrina, members of an extended African-American family (with 155 related individuals, all told) from Saint Bernard Parish share their experiences related to the ongoing catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina. Filmmaker Ginny Martin began following the family soon after they sought refuge in Dallas, conducting intimate interviews over a year and half, during which the interviewees reveal their hopes and fears as they struggle to maintain a sense of community. At first, the family gathers regularly in the backyard of Connie Tipado—who opened her home to as many as 48 of the relatives in need—where they visit and exchange information, eat Creole cooking, and long for home. When they do return to Saint Bernard several months later, however, the initial feelings of elation quickly give way to frustration: jobs for African-Americans remain scarce, most churches and schools are still closed, and any chance for government assistance beyond FEMA trailers is concealed beneath layers of bureaucratic red tape. Professors from the University of New Orleans, along with a local historian and a newspaper columnist, talk about the history of the parish, the significance and strength of Creole culture, and the continuing negative effects of Katrina, including how the lack of a coordinated government response adversely affects families trying to rebuild social networks. A thoughtful, heartfelt portrait of one strong family—which serves as an apt reminder that even though the media has moved on, Katrina is still having a major impact on people's lives—this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Wadland)