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Axe In The Attic is a 2007 documentary film directed by Ed Pincus and Lucia Small. The film explores the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city of New Orleans in August 2005. The filmmakers follow the journey of two New Englanders, Pincus and Small, who decide to drive down to New Orleans to donate some of the proceeds from their previous film to the relief efforts. Along the way, they meet up with other hurricane victims who have lost everything and are trying to rebuild their lives.

The film is shot in a verité style, with Pincus and Small as the main protagonists. They capture the chaos and destruction in New Orleans, as well as the resilience and spirit of the people who are trying to survive. The film takes a deeper look into the mental state of these hurricane survivors, from residents of nursing homes devastated by the storm to musicians whose livelihoods were destroyed. Unlike many documentaries that focus on the facts and figures of a natural disaster, Axe In The Attic takes a more personal approach, capturing the stories of real people whose lives have been turned upside down.

One of the key themes in the film is the struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming hardship. Pincus and Small's journey through the devastated city is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and their interactions with other survivors highlight the importance of hope and resilience in times of crisis. The film also delves into the emotional fallout of the hurricane, including trauma, depression, and feelings of isolation. Through interviews with mental health professionals and hurricane survivors, Axe In The Attic provides a powerful window into the psychological toll that a disaster like Hurricane Katrina can take on those who experience it firsthand.

Throughout the film, Pincus and Small encounter a wide range of people who have been affected by the storm, from affluent homeowners to impoverished residents of the Lower Ninth Ward. The filmmakers offer a stark portrayal of the racial and economic disparities in New Orleans, where those who were hardest hit by the hurricane were often those who were already struggling to get by. Pincus and Small make a concerted effort to listen to the perspectives of these survivors, placing their own experiences in the context of a much broader social and political context. This wider perspective helps to contextualize not only the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, but also the larger structural problems that have contributed to the city's problems over the years.

Axe In The Attic is a powerful and emotionally affecting film that offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The film provides an intimate look at the personal struggles of survivors, while also delving into the broader social and economic forces that have shaped New Orleans over the years. Pincus and Small's journey through the devastated city offers a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. By shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by residents of New Orleans, Axe In The Attic serves as a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking to shine a light on important social issues.