Barber Bo Dollis teaches his proteges, Corey, Alvon, and JaCorey, the virtues of being a Mardi Gras Indian, a centuries-old subculture in New Orleans that shapes the minds of the youth community through mentorship, artistic expression, and cultural practice.

A selection of Short of the Week, the web's leading curators of quality short films.

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Wild Magnolias
Dir. Alexandra Kern
https://www.alexandrakern.me/wild-mag...
https://www.wildmagnoliasdocumentary....

"Kern was first introduced to the Mardi Gras Indian subculture, its craftsmanship, and the closely-knit community, by her mother, a costume designer who used to collaborate with them. “Having witnessed their work so intimately at a young age, I was captured by their devotion and the year-long process of commitment and sacrifice”, she confessed. The way the film is structured very much echoes that, by allowing its audience to slowly discover both the day-to-day life of a Mardi Gras Indian and the intricate know-how involved in crafting their suits.

In addition to offering a glimpse into the culture in general, Kern dedicates time to introducing the individual members of the community, granting us meaningful moments with them as they discuss various topics. This approach gives the film an immersive and engaging quality, allowing the audience to feel like we are part of the film. As viewers, we get to know all the different participants, with a particular focus on the central figure, Bo Dollis Jr." - S/W Curator, Céline Roustan

FULL REVIEW: https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2024/0...

CAST + CREW

Director: Alexandra Kern
DP: Eric Vera
Editor: Chad Serahini, Nicholas Bradford & Nick Deliberto
Sound Mixer: Manch Cadwallader
Sound Designer: William Mcguigan, Gypsy Sound
Sponsors: Louisiana Division of the Arts Statewide Grant Programs - through the Louisiana Office of Culture Development, Jazz and Heritage Community Partnership Grants

Reproduced on this channel with the permission of the filmmakers.