Spike Lee Hurricane Katrina Documentary To Premiere On HBO
Monday marks the premiere of Spike Lee’s Hurricane Katrina disaster HBO documentary “When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Parts” and as New Orleans’ Times-Picayune reports many people are presently living this tragedy a year after the fact.
“I know it’s going to be hard to watch,” said Florence, who was among 7,000 people who attended Wednesday’s premiere. “But I’m angry, and I know Spike Lee is angry, and I know it’s important to watch. I think we all should see this.”
“Building on that sentiment, New Orleans City Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said she hoped the film would remind viewers of the failure of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to prevent the catastrophe or to react quickly once it had occurred.”
Although many people say the film focuses too much on one area - the predominantly black and poor 9th Ward - Lee brings up the compelling fact that many people believe the levees in that area were intentionally blown up by authorities after the hurricane in order to save more affluent neighborhoods.
What’s even more eye-opening is the fact that the New York Times is still covering this tragedy; almost a year after the storm hit, the story is still unfolding.
New York Times Hurricane Katrina coverage
Comment by Grazia Francioli Bittner
After seeing Spike Lee on Tavis Smiley, along with other peole from the city involved in legislature and social services including police, I am most anxious to see this.Spike Lee has always been honest and totally unafraid of the truth. May we all view this–where’s the anouncement about it? Is that a secret also?
Comment by Kevin Brown-Long Beach
I am very anxious to see what Spike Lee has to say about the issue. I look forward to the discussions that come from viewers.
Specifically, what we as African Americans can do to reduce our addiction to government. I know that government has it’s responsibility but we have ours. I cannot help but feel like we keep waiting for help that is not coming. Our cheese has been moved and I for one do not want to starve to death waiting on “Dear ol’ Uncle Sam”.
Thanks for opportunity to sound off.
Comment by Kass
I would like to order “When the Levee’s Broke” on DVD, I don’t have HBO.