Join the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (MSJE) on June 13 from 6 – 8 p.m. for a screening of “City of a Million Dreams,” a searing and haunting documentary that delves into the uniquely New Orleanian tradition of the jazz funeral. This feature-length film, directed by Jason Berry, follows Jewish writer and videographer Deb Cotton and prolific clarinetist Dr. Michael White as they explore the city’s storied past and cultural resilience.
Deb Cotton, known for chronicling the parading club culture rooted in jazz funerals, and Dr. Michael White, famed for his poignant renditions of sorrowful dirges, guide viewers through the vibrant yet somber world of New Orleans funerals with music. The documentary takes a poignant turn when Hurricane Katrina devastates the city, with White losing everything to the catastrophic flooding. His journey to rebuild mirrors the indomitable resurrection spirit embodied in the jazz funeral tradition.
The project, which includes a companion book published under the same title in 2018, was the culmination of 25 years of extensive research and tenacity by investigative reporter, author and filmmaker Jason Berry. He spoke with OffBeat about the circuitous journey from initial concept to the big-screen premiere for a film that took many unexpected turns, including the upheaval of Hurricane Katrina, coverage of the Catholic Church abuse crisis, the unexpected death of a protagonist in the documentary, and, most recently, the pandemic in this 2021 interview here.
The event is in-person and will be held at MSJE. After the screening, filmmaker Jason Berry will offer insights and answer questions about the making of this profound documentary.
Ticket Information:
- Non-MSJE Members: $10
- MSJE Members: $5
To purchase tickets, visit the MSJE website.
City of a Million Dreams
