Kamp Katrina 2007
Distributed by Carnivalesque Films, 203.417.3136 or 347.282.6132
Produced by Ashley Sabin and David Redmon
Director n/a
DVD, color, 73 min.
Jr. High - Adult
American Studies, Area Studies, Drama, Humor, Human Rights, Sociology, Storytelling, Psychology, Biography
Date Entered: 03/07/2008
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Associate University Librarian for Technical Services and Scholarly Communication, University of California, Santa BarbaraThis provocative and disturbing film examines the chaos following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in August 2005, and in particular one woman's response to the disaster. Ms. Pearl, a 56-year-old New Orleans native, responds to the crisis by opening up her home to 14 displaced residents for 6 months. This video follows the trials and tribulations of these individuals, as Ms. Pearl tries to establish order while the residents of Kamp Katrina try to live with limited resources, no housing and no government support. It is especially interesting to follow two of the Kamp Katrina residents, Kelley and Doug Baker, as they prepare for the birth of their third child. Ms. Pearl, in response to the many trying and unpredictable circumstances, wears many hats and outfits as the filmmakers document the living conditions.
Ms. Pearl plays many roles throughout the documentary, and her situation is just one of many that were played out in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. This film shows the extent of the living conditions and damage wrought by the hurricane in so many ways.