Loyola University’s School of Communication and Design is set to unveil a documentary lost since Hurricane Katrina, offering an intimate look into the life and artistry of the legendary Allison “Tootie” Montana. The film showcases Tootie’s significant role as the big chief of the Yellow Pocahontas Black Masking Indians for an impressive 50 years.

Directed by Will Horton, the documentary titled Testimony of a Big Chief will be screened on December 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Nunemaker Auditorium, located in the Monroe Science Complex. Following the screening, a panel discussion with the filmmakers and other key figures will provide insights into Tootie’s life and the making of the documentary.

Horton, who directed the documentary as a young filmmaker, expressed the challenges faced during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which led to the fear that the original footage was lost forever. However, in a surprising turn of events, producers Keith Calhoun and Chandra McCormick discovered a DVD of the completed film in 2022. They subsequently had it digitally remastered, making it possible for the public to witness the documentary after a hiatus of 25 years.

“I want to connect Loyola to the heart of the city – this culture,” said Horton, emphasizing the importance of integrating the documentary into the learning environment. Previously, the school had brought in Flagboy Giz, a musician and Wild Tchoupitoulas Black Masking Indian, to engage students in the vibrant Mardi Gras Indian culture through a colloquium of film and music.

During the event, students will introduce the 30-minute documentary and moderate a Q&A session with panelists, including Calhoun and McCormick, Willie Birch – a longtime friend of Tootie featured in the film, and Darryl Montana, Tootie’s son and successor.

The documentary screening will be followed by a panel discussion recorded and archived by the students. This material will be studied in-depth during the upcoming spring semester, offering a unique educational experience. Horton emphasized that students will have the rare opportunity to learn directly from the filmmaker, gaining insights into the making of the film and Tootie’s remarkable journey.

The event is open to the public, but due to limited seating, reservations can be made at HERE.