If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise

If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary series produced by HBO in 2010. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, the series traces the trajectory of events surrounding and following Hurricane Katrina, illuminating the resilience and determination that sprouted in the wake of the destruction.

Over the course of four hours, the series promises an extensive and insightful exploration of New Orleans in the post-Katrina era. This closely observed investigation involves interviews and contributions from numerous significant figures such as Terence Blanchard, Bobby Jindal, Mitch Landrieu, Marc Morial, Ray Nagin, and many others, each lending unique viewpoints on the catastrophe and its aftermath.

A renowned jazz trumpeter and composer, Blanchard's dialogues provide insight into the cultural upheaval experienced by the city. As a New Orleans native, his commentary also offers intimate knowledge of the city's lifestyle and spirit. The sterling political perspectives come courtesy of individuals like former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco, her successor Bobby Jindal, current mayor Mitch Landrieu, former mayor Marc Morial and Ray Nagin, embodying both a local and national response to the catastrophe.

The series also features active participants in reconstruction efforts, notably Sean Penn and Brad Pitt, who contribute more than mere celebrity appeal. Penn recounts his rescue efforts in a waterlogged New Orleans, displaying an authentic, heartrending enthusiasm for the city and its people. Pitt discusses his Make It Right Foundation, dedicated to building environmentally sustainable housing for communities hardest hit by the storm.

A diverse range of perspectives also comes from figures such as Wendell Pierce, a New Orleans-born actor most recognized from his role on HBO's "The Wire," lower nine ward resident Phyllis Montana LeBlanc, Houston mayor Annise Parker, and others. Their collective narratives highlight the social, economic, and political struggles experienced by individuals in communities plunged into turmoil.

Spike Lee’s masterful storytelling depicts a vivid narrative that transcends the hurricane's impact to consider broader themes of race, urban planning, housing inequality, education, healthcare, community resilience, and cultural preservation. Lee's subtle yet potent subtext underscores a greater message - New Orleans' experience isn't a standalone event but part of a larger American narrative. Furthermore, Lee ingeniously uses the canvas of New Orleans to comment on America's broader social and racial realities, making the documentary a poignant examination of contemporary social discourse.

If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise is filled with powerful imagery and striking archival footage, providing historical depth to the narrative. Lee juxtaposes this seriousness with authentic Crescent City charm and culture—the city's parades, bars, and, of course, its vibrant music, capturing the city's unique jazz-inflected spirit.

The series examines the evolution of New Orleans, starting from the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, moving through the city's desperate attempt to rebuild, and onto its cautious hope for the future. This documentary doesn't resort to melodrama to evoke emotions; instead, it becomes a sobering account of a city that has learned to stand up, dust itself off, and define its destiny.

If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise serves both as a continuation of Spike Lee's earlier work, When The Levees Broke: A Requiem In Four Acts, and as an engrossing standalone piece of documentary filmmaking. It is a profound exploration into the heart and soul of a beloved American city and its people in the aftermath of one of the nation's most devastating natural disasters.

Yet at its core, If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don't Rise is a testament to human resilience and a celebration of the indomitable spirit of New Orleans, as it attempts to rise from the ashes. It presents an unfiltered look at the city's tribulations and triumphs, valorizing the spirit of its citizens and immortalizing their tales of determination and resilience.

In confronting the realities of societal inequities exposed by disaster, this series delivers a powerful social commentary with heart and urgency. It is a must-watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of New Orleans, the implications of Hurricane Katrina, and, fundamentally, the strength of human resilience amid adversity.