Independent Lens Season 9 Episode 3 Storm of Emotions

Storm of Emotions, the third episode of the ninth season of Independent Lens, is a powerful documentary that examines the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina through the eyes of four artists. The hurricane, which hit New Orleans in 2005, was one of the deadliest and most destructive natural disasters in American history, leaving over 1,800 people dead and causing billions of dollars in damage.

The four artists featured in the film are all from New Orleans and were living in the city at the time of the hurricane. They each have a unique perspective on the storm and its aftermath, and their stories are told through a combination of interviews, archival footage, and their own artwork.

The first artist we meet is Herbert Gettridge, a 82-year-old African American man who lived in the Lower Ninth Ward, one of the areas hit hardest by the hurricane. Gettridge and his wife were in their home when the storm hit, and they were forced to evacuate as the floodwaters rose. After months of living in a FEMA trailer, Gettridge and his family were determined to rebuild their home and their community. Through his artwork, Gettridge depicts the strength and resilience of the people of New Orleans in the face of adversity.

The second artist is Charmaine Neville, a jazz singer and member of the famous Neville family. Neville and her husband lost everything in the hurricane, including their home and their recording studio. Despite this, Neville remained committed to performing and spreading joy through her music. Her artwork reflects the emotional toll of the storm and the resilience of the New Orleans music scene.

The third artist is Nat Turner, a painter and muralist who used his art to draw attention to the social and political issues facing New Orleans before and after the hurricane. Turner's work reflects the anger and frustration felt by many residents of the city in the wake of the disaster, as well as their determination to rebuild and create a better future.

The fourth and final artist is Dwight Henry, an actor who appeared in the critically-acclaimed film Beasts of the Southern Wild. Henry, who had just opened a bakery in the time leading up to the hurricane, lost everything in the storm. Despite this, he continued to pursue his dreams of acting and even landed a role in the movie that would eventually garner him national acclaim. Through his artwork, Henry explores the dichotomy between the beauty and tragedy of New Orleans.

Throughout the episode, we see how each of these artists coped with the emotional and physical aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Their stories are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to heal and inspire. Storm of Emotions is a thought-provoking and deeply moving documentary that sheds light on the ongoing impact of one of the most devastating natural disasters in American history.