Katrina Survivors Share Their Stories in New Documentary Film

While visiting Louisiana in the spring of 2008, documentary filmmaker Patricia Federico became captivated by the Katrina stories still being told by the residents who survived the storm. Inspired by their struggles to overcome a catastrophic disaster, the loss of life, and the separation of their families, Ms Federico founded ‘peace out productions’ to create a unique and moving film based on these courageous and often harrowing experiences. In ‘Survival Strength Starting Over’, residents take the spotlight and give their personal accounts of what happened to them before, during and after the hurricane – and of the struggles still facing them as they try to rebuild what the levee breaches destroyed.

With the voices of restaurant owners, nurses, volunteer workers, school children, firemen and other citizens who withstood the hurricane, ‘Survival Strength Starting Over’ tells the gritty stories of those who lived through the destruction of hurricane Katrina and how they will forever feel her effects. Katrina survivors tell their own stories, in their words, from their mouths, in their homes, within their communities.

“It’s easy to forget the big stories once they stop being news,” notes Ms Federico. “’Survival Strength Starting Over’ reminds us that at the heart of all newsworthy events are real people with real lives who must pick up the pieces and move on. The stories are painful, powerful, and thought provoking, but they are filled with a humanity and humor that illustrates the best in all of us.”

There are screenings across the country and part of all proceeds from screenings, DVD, and merchandise sales will be donated to the Community Center of St. Bernard (http://www.ccstb.org) to help this 501c3 non- profit organization feed, clothe and provide assistance to those who are still working to rebuild their lives and their communities on the fourth anniversary of Katrina.

There will be a screening in San Francisco on September 26 at the 111 Minna Gallery. The event is from 5pm - 9pm, the film will be shown at 6pm.
The ticket cost is $12 and will be available at the door, and there will also be a raffle.