NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Join in on Friday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m. at Alliance française of New Orleans for an exclusive screening of THE PRECIPICE, a new documentary from Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) that explores the challenges faced by the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe and the battles they’ve won.
LPB has been immersed in the Pointe au Chien community for the past two years. From their fight to become a federally recognized tribe, to the battle for educational equality – THE PRECIPICE explores efforts to preserve their unique tribal culture. The community is also facing extinction due to climate change. The gulf is claiming increased land. In 2021, Hurricane Ida, a category 4 storm, almost wiped the community away. Out of the 80-plus homes in lower Pointe au Chien, only seven were left habitable. Many remain in ruins today.
THE PRECIPICE explores the difficulties they are facing but also reveals the battles they are beginning to win. “The land is tied to their identity, and that part of that identity is literally washing away,” says LPB Senior Producer and filmmaker Ben Johnson. “Climate change is here, and the towns and cities impacted will only grow larger. This film offers viewers the stark reality of what happens to Pointe-aux-Chenes, could happen to communities throughout the world. It’s in our best interest to make sure they succeed.”
“The story of the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe is a uniquely Louisiana story, but their challenge also has global impact. It is a story that needs to be told.” says LPB Executive Producer Linda Midgett.
Through all these obstacles, the community remains hopeful. In August, the Pointe-Au-Chien Indian Tribe will open Louisiana’s first-ever French immersion school serving a primarily Indigenous population and thus reconnect the French language to their traditions and way of life. “Not only is this going to bring a school back to our community, but it will be a beginning for bringing the language back to the community,” said Christine Verdin, council member of the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe.
Free and open to the public, this event is organized by Alliance française de La Nouvelle-Orléans, LPB and the Consulate general of France in Louisiana, in partnership with Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program and CODOFIL.
A Q&A with LPB Senior Producer and director of the film Ben Johnson will follow the screening.
Light refreshment will be offered.
