LS3 Studios Presents
A PLACE CALLED DESIRE
THE FILM
A Place Called Desire is a documentary feature film telling the powerful story of an often forgotten community, in the upper 9th Ward in New Orleans. It has been in the making for 12 years, offers many unforgettable history lessons applicable to American history, Louisiana history, African American history, urban history, racial history, studies of neighborhoods, studies of survival, and memorable stories of love and community. Somehow the filmmaker shares hard truths with a gentle touch. ~ Dr. Al Kennedy
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A Place Called Desire unveils the inspiring journey of one of New Orleans' earliest subdivisions for black homeownership, simultaneously one of America's largest housing developments, nurturing unity, and growth, while shaping educated, intelligent citizens, athletes, and professionals who become the very backbone of the city.
“Nobody can dim the light which shines from within” as penned by Maya Angelou, is the perfect metaphor for Desire.
Those outside of the community told the stories you may have heard. We will present this film from a unique vantage point–that of insiders. Since 2008 we have interviewed over 60 individuals telling the stories of their lives in the Desire Community. They speak of a place that is not the same story that the press often portrayed. There were struggles, many struggles, but there were also strengths and positives in this tight-knit community of thousands.
Leonard Smith III is a documentarian. Since 1975, he has been involved in every aspect of historical research from genealogy, photography, technology, storytelling, film-making, and music. Leonard’s company, LS3 Studios, has produced award-winning documentaries of musicians, institutions, and family histories. His most recent project, “A Place Called Desire” Won an Award of Recognition Documentary Feature The Impact DOCS Awards, was a finalist for Best Documentary in the San Diego Black Film Festival. It won a Silver Telly Award and a Gold Digital AVA Award. Winner of Best Documentary film and Winner of the Jury Audience Award in the Black Film Festival of New Orleans. It was a Semifinalist in the Rootstech 1st Film Fest. Nominated for the 2020 LEH Humanities Documentary Film of the Year. Official Selection San Francisco Black Film Festival. Winner of Louisiana Heritage Media Award. A Place Called Desire is the story of the community Leonard grew up in the 60s and 70s in New Orleans. He has a deep and abiding love to “educate, entertain, and inspire others to tell their story."
Film Chapters
Opener
1940s - 1950s - A Better Life
1960s - 1970s - It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
1980s - 1990s - The Struggle Is Real
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
2000s - "The New Desire"