Aaron Walker
2011 | USA
The three Mardi Gras Indian Chiefs at the center of this vibrant film are driven by an urgent need to pass on and preserve their unique culture. Icons of a centuries-old blending of African and Native American traditions, they sew elaborate costumes to parade through the streets on Mardi Gras, singing songs that add another layer to the city’s already rich musical vernacular. The stories of these very different men collectively create a window on the difficult history of African Americans in New Orleans, before and after Hurricane Katrina. Their humor, vitality, and perseverance—along with the exuberant joy of their music—illuminate the strong and resilient human spirit.