Being in attendance for the world premier of The Upstairs Inferno last week, was laden with feelings of shock, amazement, and grief that also paired with pride and honor. It was shocking to know that this horrific event and the incredulous lack of response from the then Mayor, Governor, and Archbishop had happened in 1973. I was in college at the time. Three years later, I was heading from Ferguson to New Orleans to go to graduate school at Tulane...in the grand scheme of things, not really so very long ago.
Mike and John had invited Carmen and I to go with them to the event. I knew it would be interesting and an honor experiencing it with them, but I had no idea that survivors, family members of victims, and friends would be sitting in the row right behind us. The depth, thoroughness and intensity of the film held the audience spellbound. Many of the faces on the screen were also faces in the audience.
It began with a sniffle that broke my heart, but soon sniffles mixed with sobs and my heart just kept breaking in the shared grief of this community.
I already knew most of the history (and, was reminded by a favorite student in attendance that I'd taught it as part of our TUSW diversity class), but I'd never been to the site. I knew that eventually I would make the pilgrimage. Yesterday was the day.
I stood at the plaque inlaid on the sidewalk in front of the door on Iberville Street. Seeing that there was one door in and one door out in the film was one thing, but seeing it in person was even more powerful. Seeing the second floor, the fire escape and that solitary door clutched my heart.
Even painted and spruced up today, the black and white news footage from the event that night and the faces of victims, survivors, and victims' families were inescapable.
Knowledge is power. You must see this documentary as soon as you have the chance. Congratulations to Producer/Director Robert L. Camina and his team.
You're very welcome, Lori. Robert and the team did do a beautiful job with this documentary, and I hope it will be seen by many. I'd heard the story of your family from my friends, and I'm very grateful that you and yours were able to put the pieces together to finally know what had happened. Spreading the word is important. All the best-Laury Bourgeois
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | July 06, 2015 at 05:05 PM
Thank you so much for this wonderful post! My husbands Uncle/ Mother in Laws brother was killed in this fire - we were sitting behind you at the film. We only learned of this tragedy in January, and are thankful beyond words to Robert for the beautiful job he did with this film. Although painful to watch,it was very artfully produced, with great sensitivity, yet sending a powerful message. We will be forever changed by this amazing experience. Thank you to everyone who was involved!
Posted by: Lori Frazer Bailey | July 06, 2015 at 04:34 PM
You're very welcome, Robert and Team! Keep up the good work. Laury Bourgeois
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | July 03, 2015 at 11:42 AM
Thank you very much!
-Robert and the UPSTAIRS INFERNO team
www.UpstairsInferno.com
Posted by: Robert L. Camina | July 03, 2015 at 05:26 AM