Jackson Free Press

Sept. 15, 2011

It wasn't enough for filmmaker Spike Lee to make one documentary about the anger and outrage of Gulf Coast residents in the months after Hurricane Katrina. His new documentary, "If God is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise," revisits the Gulf Coast as residents continue to rebuild their lives from the storm and BP oil crisis.

Lee will discuss his new work Tuesday, Sept. 27, at Jackson State University. His documentary "When the Levees Broke" explores the government's failures in the aftermath to Hurricane Katrina and tells the story of residents who were impacted by the storm. His new film features interviews with some of the same residents four years later. It also explores drug abuse and mental health issues that have increased since the storm.

"It was our job as filmmakers to document it," Lee says about his work in a trailer about the film.

"When the Levees Broke" won three Emmy Awards for Exceptional Merit in Nonfiction Filmmaking, Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming, and Outstanding Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming. It also won a Peabody Award.

Lee's production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, has produced more than 35 films. He has also been known to cause controversy with his outspokenness. In 2002, he called Mississippi Sen. Trent Lott a "card-carrying member of the Ku Klux Klan" during an interview in response to Lott's remarks about Strom Thurmond's failed presidential bid.

Lee will visit JSU in celebration of Black College Day at 7 p.m. in the Rose Embly McCloy Auditorium. The event is free, but reservations are required for admission. To reserve a ticket, email [e-mail missing].