The Sunken City: Rebuilding Post-Katrina New Orleans

Shot between December 2006 and October 2008, The Sunken City examines the erratic reconstruction of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, as some neighborhoods receive considerable attention and return to normalcy, while others (primarily working-class and African American sections) remain in water-logged ruins. Filmmakers Marline Otte and Laszlo Fulop train their cameras on a city where large portions of the population are still homeless and many more have permanently left, a place where politicians seem to show up only for photo opportunities, but any evidence of a coordinated federal-state-municipal governmental effort is hard to see. Through interviews with victims, volunteers, and local advocates, viewers learn that many individuals and nonprofits have quietly worked to help those in need, setting up food banks, providing medical care, and rebuilding devastated homes, schools, and libraries. The film suggests that disproportionate attention was given to preserving New Orleans' musical heritage—a special housing program even exists for musicians—while some less fortunate residents continue to face the humiliation of tour buses driving past their homes (one community leader refers to the gawkers as “ghetto paparazzi”). Although the filmmakers do not interview any elected officials about the inconsistent recovery efforts, community members here grumble about a lack of “national will” to finance a coherent approach. Disturbing and depressing on many levels, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)