"the community that care forgot"
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) – The Flint Institute of Arts is hosting the 8th annual African American Film Series beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
The African American Film Series highlights three documentary feature films curated by African Americans with an emphasis on the trials and triumphs of the Black community.
One film in particular entitled “A Place Called Desire“ hits close to home for the city of Flint.
#APLACECALLEDDESIRE
The Flint Institute of Arts is hosting the 8th annual African American Film Series, one of the films highlighting the “A Place Called Desire” documentary. Communities First Inc. is presenting and hosting the free educational program.
“One of the reasons I did this documentary is because I know that the people are still suffering to this day,” said film Producer/Director Leonard Smith III.
For the report, click here.
Leonard Smith III interview with Joe Caulo
Leonard Smith III, Director/Producer is interviewed by WWL-TV Joe Caulo discussing “A Place Called Desire,” which explores the history of the Desire neighborhood in New Orleans. The documentary captures the voices and stories of longtime residents of this historically working-class African-American neighborhood. It delves into the community’s origins, culture, and evolution over decades, including the challenges faced, such as poverty, crime, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. But the film also celebrates the strong sense of pride, resilience, and tradition that runs deep in Desire. The documentary paints a complex portrait of this distinctive New Orleans neighborhood through first-person accounts and archival footage. The interview provides insight into the making of the film and the stories it conveys about the struggles and triumphs experienced by generations of Desire residents. The filmmakers interviewed and spent time with many community members to create an immersive look at this often misrepresented area of the city.
Filmmaker Leonard Smith III’s documentary film highlights and shares the stories of the New Orleans Lower 9th Ward Desire community. He recreates the historical memory of a community and documents the legacy of pride by those who lived in this post-World War II development. Smith enables the viewer to look beyond unfair stereotypes and see the thriving, loving community of Desire’s public housing community.
The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes 11 new award recipients for their impact on historic places, build pride and foster engagement in their communities. Awardees have been nominated by the public and selected based on:
October 2015, Leonard Smith III is interviewed by Sheba Turk, the host of “The 504.” Leonard is the Director/Producer of the documentary A Place Called Desire.