It’s Not a Party in New Orleans

08/17/09  Print This Post Print This Post    8 Comments      Written by Austin Chu
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“Celebrate the little things in life, appreciate tomorrow, love your neighbor or don’t, but never condemn yourself to a life without cause to celebrate and be thankful for what you have. Never forget the people you love and love them when you have an occasion to do so. Celebrate their life and celebrate yours.” -Anonymous

When I got laid off from my job this past December, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. I had no money, no job, and nothing to tie me down. As soon as the New Year turned, something inside me turned as well. I told my brother I wanted to drive through all fifty states and film a documentary of the stories and voices from the economy collapse. Two weeks later, my brother quit his job, and we embarked on this journey called “The Recess Ends”

We’ve interviewed and captured hundreds of hours of footage. Many of the stories presented themselves as stand alone, individual pieces. The following clip below is titled: It’s Not A Party In New Orleans

It’s Not A Party In New Orleans from B-Rilla on Vimeo.

It’s difficult to comprehend and understand the full situation of New Orleans.

Old, young, rich, and poor, celebrated Mardi Gras to the fullest. It’s the symbol of life for the city of New Orleans and it’s people. It is a celebration of life and being part of an amazing community.

Much of the city is still abandoned and left to rot. However, the people there are more alive than ever. It’s about what they have, not what they don’t have.


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About the Author

Austin Chu

Austin Chu was laid off in December 2008. He has a deep obsession with breakfast burritos and backpacks. He doesn't know why. He just drove through fifty states filming a documentary on the economy and the recession. Follow his project on http://www.therecessends.com

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8 Comments... join the discussion!

  • Megan Hill replied on August 17, 2009

    Thanks, Austin. The people who are left in New Orleans are fiercely loyal to their city–the bond there is unique, and sometimes it defies reason. Mardi Gras is one of the richest and deepest expressions of this.

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    • Austin Chu replied to Megan Hill on August 17, 2009

      Thank you for watching it! I hope we did New Orleans justice. People are fierce. Very well said.

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  • Julie replied on August 17, 2009

    Austin-

    Thanks for this piece. I was in New Orleans last June and was appalled by how much rebuilding the city still needs. It says something when your City Hall has been abandoned and is in ruins yet hasn’t been torn down.

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    • Austin Chu replied to Julie on August 17, 2009

      It’s amazing and extremely hard to believe. We have a long road ahead of us.

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  • Lola replied on August 18, 2009

    Fantastic work you two are doing!

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  • Melissa: a random crafter replied on August 18, 2009

    I think a more appropriate title for a clip about New Orleans is “they know how to party” instead of “it’s not a party…”. The fact that people in New Orleans are always celebrating is one of the reasons this city is so amazing. You can’t keep these people down! Having personally gone through losing everything in Katrina I agree that the experience really bonded people to the city. New Orleanians are proud denizens and even though we have a lot to be unhappy about (corrupt politicians, blighted neighborhoods, poverty, crime, risk of future hurricanes) I find the most joyous people here. Maybe its the food, the music, the attitude, but when someone really ‘gets’ this place, they “know what it means to miss New Orleans”.

    p.s. i love slim goodies!

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  • Jill replied on August 19, 2009

    Well said, Melissa. I completely agree. I may live elsewhere, but I return to New Orleans many times each year because I feel so at home there–and while the food, drink and music make that experience wonderful, it’s all about the people.

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  • Matthew replied on August 31, 2009

    I have to agree with Melissa it’s a very vibrant city where you can come on a Monday night it what should be off season and still feel the spirit of the city and its people. I’ve been quite a few times and people are open and friendly from Romero our waiter who knows his beer (gotta try Abitas “Andy Gator”) to the locals that tell you the best places to go off the beaten path. Hell, even the guy who you know is just trying to con tourists has a special spirit about him. I love the city and despite all of its short comings, its vast dilapidated buildings, the crime, ect. I love the city and feel drawn to come back again and again.

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