Media Advisory for Feb. 20: “Bayou Sundance” Documentary to Premiere in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward
Media Advisory for Thursday, February 20, 2014
Contact: Arthur Johnson, The Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development, 504.421.9643, ajohnson@sustainthenine.org
“Bayou Sundance” Documentary to Premiere in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward
Provocative film details history of Bayou Bienvenue through eyes of community elders and youth
The Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle is a degraded bald cypress swamp just north of the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans. Over the past 50 years, human activity has caused the swamp and surrounding ecosystem to erode, increasing the city’s vulnerability to storms and contributing to catastrophic damage during Hurricane Katrina.
Through the eyes of community elders and youth, “Bayou Sundance” documents the history of the Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle, including the decline of nearby wetlands, resulting impacts and the area’s movement toward rebirth. This powerful story captures the importance of urban wetlands, natural storm protection for coastal cities and serves as a historical environmental justice case study.
You are invited to join us for the premiere of “Bayou Sundance” and to learn more about the future of Bayou Bienvenue and the importance of coastal restoration to both the city of New Orleans and the state. Light dinner will be served.
This film is a product of The Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development with support from Environmental Defense Fund and National Wildlife Federation.
The trailer can be viewed online here, and the full film will be available starting February 20 at www.restorethebayou.org.
Film Screening and Panel Details:
WHAT: Film screening and Q&A panel with filmmakers and producers
WHEN: Thursday, February 20, 6-7:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: All Soul’s Community Center
5500 St. Claude Avenue
Lower Ninth Ward
New Orleans, LA 70117
WHO: Arthur Johnson: Executive Director, The Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development and Producer of “Bayou Sundance”
Happy Johnson: Teacher, Author and Co-Director of “Bayou Sundance”
Amanda Moore: Greater New Orleans Program Manager, National Wildlife Federation
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