Hand Crafted Films

Phillis Wheatley Elementary School was a significant landmark in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, serving as an important educational institution for African-American students for nearly half a century. The school was known for its innovative modern design that was unique to the region, reflecting the area’s cultural and historical roots. However, the school sustained significant damage during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath in 2005.

Despite the damage, the school’s unique design caught the attention of DOCOMOMO Louisiana, an organization dedicated to preserving modern architecture. They advocated for the restoration of the school through adaptive reuse, citing its historical significance and architectural importance. The organization produced this short film, “A Plea for Modernism,” narrated by actor Wendell Pierce, to raise awareness of the school’s cultural and historical value and promote its restoration.

This film highlights the school’s importance to the Tremé neighborhood and the broader New Orleans community, emphasizing its role in shaping the region’s cultural and architectural identity. The film also draws attention to the need for continued preservation efforts to protect the city’s unique architectural heritage. Despite these efforts, the school was ultimately demolished in the summer of 2011, marking a significant loss for the community and highlighting the challenges of preserving modern architecture in the face of natural disasters and urban development pressures.

2011
Short
U.S.A.
English
12 minutes
Evan Mather