The 12 Best Documentaries About The Katrina Hurricane

Aug 25, 2023 | Best Of, Disaster

Whether we’re talking about natural disasters or not, few events can evoke such strong emotions from people like the effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The hurricane and its aftermath was one of the most devastating and heartbreaking moments that occurred in recent memory.Filmmakers have tackled these tragic events with a range of documentaries that capture the power of Katrina’s destruction as well as its lingering effects on the people of New Orleans. These documentaries provide an intimate view of what it was like to live through the storm and how individuals coped with its aftermath.Whether you’re looking to better understand the events that occurred in 2005 or want to see a more visual representation of this tragedy, these 12 documentaries about Hurricane Katrina

 

1. Surviving Katrina

The amazing story of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, as told by former NBC correspondent Hanson Hosein, is brought to life in this gripping documentary. Taking to regional roads on a drive to New Orleans, he investigates how the city’s vibrant retail businesses fare post-disaster. To rebuild the city and its population, New Orleans has turned to its Mom & Pop retailers for help. However, even with their efforts, only a third of businesses have reopened, and in poorer neighborhoods the rate is barely half. This documentary brings viewers on an inspiring journey to discover whether these local businesses can serve as the backbone of recovery and revive those areas and restore New Orleans’ proud independence?

 

2. Inside Hurricane Katrina

This documentary dives deep into the story of Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest and most destructive storms in US history. It takes a look at the stories behind those who were affected by this storm and examines how Louisiana has been impacted ever since. Through interviews and archival footage, National Geographic brings viewers inside the personal tragedies of the hurricane as well as its lasting aftermath.

 

3. Hurricane Katrina History

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina is well-documented in some of the most compelling documentaries ever produced. National Geographic released a documentary that follows the story from the buildup to the storm impact and aftermath. With interviews from survivors and stunning footage, viewers can gain an up-close look at how one of America’s worst natural disasters unfolded. The BBC also has an excellent Earth documentary series that explains how the hurricane formed and the destruction it caused. Through a combination of expert interviews and computer-generated imagery, viewers can get an understanding of why Katrina was so powerful and destructive. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the disaster that Hurricane Katrina caused, but these documentaries provide a balanced view on how people coped with the tragedy that unfolded in 2005.

 

4. Hurricane Katrina Documentary

God Is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise is a powerful documentary directed by Spike Lee that follows up on his 2006 HBO film When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts. The movie takes viewers on a journey through the years since Katrina’s wrath struck the Gulf Coast, looking at how the communities have healed and survived but also delving into the human cost of such a devastating event. It also examines the 2010 BP oil spill, examining how it impacted not just the environment but also those who make their living from the Gulf’s waters. Many of the participants in When the Levees Broke are featured in this documentary, making for a complete and comprehensive story about Katrina and its aftermath.

 

5. The Unmasking of New Orleans

The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina will never be forgotten. Its destruction and the way it changed the lives of millions in New Orleans forever cannot be forgotten. The Best Documentaries About Katrina will take you on a journey through this devasting event so you can experience what life was like for those who lived through it. These films uncover the heartbreaking stories of survival, the rebuilding process, and the struggles that followed. From award-winning documentaries to heartfelt personal accounts, these stories will leave you with a deeper understanding of this tragedy. You’ll get an in-depth look at how communities banded together and the strength it took for those affected to pick up the pieces.

 

6. Hurricane Katrina DVD Documentary

As death and destruction swept across the Gulf Coast in 2005, one thing was certain—the world could not look away. Hurricane Katrina DVD Documentaries capture the tragedy of this catastrophic storm as it moved from Miami to New Orleans and Biloxi with unparalleled intensity. With well-crafted storytelling, these riveting films provide a comprehensive account of the devastating effects of this natural disaster.From the moment Hurricane Katrina made landfall, these DVD documentaries provide a unique insight into the lives of those affected by the tragedy. Intimate interviews with survivors capture their raw emotions, while vivid footage brings viewers face-to-face with the destruction wrought by the hurricane’s force.

 

7. A Refuge of Last Resort

Witness the incredible journey of families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Through never-before-seen footage, discover how these resilient individuals navigated the days before, during and after this historic event. Uncover their struggles to rebuild a home and life in its wake. Get an intimate look into how they faced every challenge and found joy within it all.

 

8. Extreme Rescue Operations

Katrina was a memorable event in the history of our nation, one which caused immense physical and emotional damage. The flooding that occurred afterwards compounded many medical issues, leaving people without the access to crucial equipment necessary for their safety. It was this lack of infrastructure that exacerbated the already chaotic situation. While we can never forget what happened during Katrina, it is important to remember the strength and resilience of those affected, who managed to create a new beginning in spite of all odds. They remind us that no matter how difficult things may be, it is possible for hope to emerge from tragedy. Their stories serve as living testament to the power of perseverance in the face of any adversity.

 

9. A Disaster Beyond Comprehension

Summer was winding down in the United States but people were unaware of the destruction that was soon to come. Little did they know, a storm would soon turn their lives upside down. Hurricane Katrina has gone down in history as one of the most devastating storms ever to hit US soil. It all started on mid-August when a tropical depression began forming in the Gulf of Mexico. By August 24th, it had grown in intensity to a Category Five hurricane. It moved steadily towards the coast and by August 29th, Katrina’s eye was directly over the city of New Orleans. The destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina was catastrophic, having killed 1,833 people directly.

 

10. Hurricane Katrina = Deadly Documentary

Hurricane Katrina was an incredibly devastating event. It left a lasting impression on the landscape of the United States, and its effects are still being felt today. Despite this, some people have managed to come out on top and tell their stories through documentaries. Here are some of the best documentaries about Hurricane Katrina that provide a unique perspective on the tragedy. One of the most popular documentaries about Katrina is “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts” directed by Spike Lee. This documentary follows a family whose home was destroyed during the hurricane and their struggles to rebuild. It also features interviews with many survivors, including those who were brave enough to stay and weather out the storm.

 

11. New Orleans’ Abandoned Prison

We take a journey into the area affected by Hurricane Katrina, exploring an old prison tower that has since been abandoned. This particular building was known as the Community Correctional Center and belonged to the Orleans Parish Prison complex. Unfortunately, it became flooded during the storm and prisoners were left with no food or water for up to three days while they were locked in their cells.

 

12. Worst Hurricane Katrina Disaster in America

A powerful hurricane that struck America in the summer of 2005, with catastrophic consequences – this is what Katrina was all about. Amongst other disasters, it caused severe destruction and flooding along the US Gulf Coast. This tragic event has been documented in several ways – one of them being a series of documentaries made by BBC. The BBC 2017 documentary series is one of the best sources to learn about what happened during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. It starts with a compelling introduction, giving viewers an insight into the context of the disaster. Moving on, it looks at how America’s socio-economic structures contributed to making Katrina so destructive.

 

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David B