Synopsis
2019. Spring flooding in Mississippi hits record highs. In Louisiana, the residents of Pierre Part are preparing for the worst. Barring an unexpected turn of events, local authorities will soon be forced to open the floodgates of the Morganza Spillway, in order to save the cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge from further uncontrolled flooding. Faith and resilience are the two best weapons they still have in the face of uncertainty.
A word from Tënk
Following Acadiana, this talented trio of filmmakers sets their sights once more on Louisiana, this time capturing a community affected by rising waters and threatened by severe flooding from the preventive opening of a levee to protect larger urban areas. Giving voice to the residents of this close-knit, aging community, this short film reveals their resilience while expressing their deep love for this unique place and its culture. Belle River brings the impact of the climate crisis into stark reality, especially for this Francophone American community whose language and culture are already highly vulnerable. With precise framing and an intelligent editing approach, the film creates an atmosphere of tension, anxiety, and urgency while highlighting the unique beauty of a place that appears on the brink of a major, irreversible transformation.
Hubert Sabino-Brunette
Programmer and teacher
