Independent Lens Season 11 Episode 9 Scenes From a Parish

Scenes From a Parish is an episode from season 11 of the television series Independent Lens. This episode follows the lives of inhabitants of Saint Augustine Parish in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans. The population of this area is largely African American, and it features prominently in the city's cultural history. However, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 significantly impacted the area and has caused a significant shift in demographics, economics, and social structures.

The episode features interviews with several members of the community, including Father Jerome LeDoux of St. Augustine Church, who has been a leader in the parish for several decades. He shares his insights into the ways in which the area has changed over the years and the challenges that residents have faced in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Other local residents, both young and old, recount their personal experiences living in the area and the struggles they have faced in day-to-day life.

The parish has a strong music tradition, and the episode highlights several individuals and groups who are keeping the music of the Treme alive. Dyson Technical Institute is a music school founded by the late Richard Dyson, a well-known local musician. The school is dedicated to educating young people in the community about music and art. The episode also features a performance by the Hot 8 Brass Band, a local favorite in the Treme and beyond.

One of the main themes of the episode is the issue of gentrification and its impact on the community. As the city of New Orleans continues to recover and rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, there has been an influx of wealthier residents moving into the Treme area. The episode explores the tension between these newcomers and long-time residents, who fear that their way of life is being threatened by rising property values and changing demographics.

Throughout the episode, scenes from daily life in the Treme area are intercut with interviews and performances. The camera captures a range of activities, from a church service at St. Augustine to a second-line parade through the streets. The sights and sounds of the area give viewers a sense of the vibrant community that exists in the Treme, despite the challenges it faces.

Overall, Scenes From a Parish is a poignant and thought-provoking episode of Independent Lens. It offers a glimpse into the lives of people who have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina and the changes that have come in its wake. The themes of community, tradition, and resilience are woven throughout, as viewers see firsthand the ways in which the people of the Treme have come together to support one another in difficult times.