FilmAid USA Gulf Coast
In 2005, FilmAid undertook a relief effort in the United States on behalf of families displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. FilmAid's involvement with the disaster's evacuees began in December of 2005 when it joined forces with Turner Classic Movies to present two screenings of the film MAKE IT FUNKY! to Baton Rouge, a community which doubled in size following the hurricanes, and to the Groom Road FEMA Trailer community, the largest of the FEMA trailer parks for New Orleans evacuees. The outdoor screenings of the film, a documentary which honors the vibrant musical history of New Orleans, were preceded by a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, vintage cartoons, and performances by local evacuee musicians, some of whom were featured in the movie.
In April of 2006, FilmAid collaborated with Listen Up! and other local and national organizations such as AnimAction, and Louisiana State University to start a project for Katrina's young evacuees, in which they were able to express their thoughts and feelings about the disaster through animation. Many participants in the program went on to partake in the Red Stick International Animation Festival which featured animated short films of youth from New Orleans and Baton Rouge who were all affected in some way by the hurricane. Students who participated in the festival had the opportunity to hear speakers from Walt Disney and Pixar Studios.
Currently, FilmAid is not operating in the USA Gulf Coast.
