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.