Filmmaker, James L. Bills, tells a harrowing story of how he took his family to a "Hurricane Proof" building in the heart of New Orleans to save them from the ravaging effects of Hurricane Katrina.
They survive one of the most powerful storms in recorded history, but JAMES, his wife TRACEY, their seven year old son and two year old daughter soon find themselves in a horrible dilemma. With only 3 days minimal supplies in hand, they, including close friends GABRIEL, his wife MELISSA, and good friend ARIEL, are trapped in downtown New Orleans when the levees break and quickly flood the city.
On the second day they faced the harsh reality that no help was on the way. They're running out of food, there is no drinkable water, no gas and no electricity. They find themselves having to survive by whatever means necessary - and are in the same situation as tens of thousands of others.
Anarchy breaks out in the city when looters take to the streets searching first for food and water, then in a complete frenzy, turn animalistic and begin to assault and rob anyone who appears helpless. On Wednesday (August 31) James helped carry a young man who had been beaten and robbed to the Convention Center. Many radio announcements had stated EMTs and NOPD officers would be there along with National Guard troops and supplies - that turned out to be complete misinformation as there was no food, not one EMT and only 3 New Orleans police officers there. The event opened James eyes to the very real fact that no help was available - for anyone. There was no visible government security, James and Gabriel took matters into their own hands and did whatever they had to in order to secure the hotel and save their families. Six days of hell... with no help from the government, local, state, or federal... no help from the outside world as they realize they are completely on their own.
Here are some of people you'll meet in the documentary "Refuge of Last Resort".
GABRIEL BLACK
Gabriel assumed the role of leader in our group. More than once he had to use force and the intimidation of his 12 gauge shotgun to defend our location. He had his wife and their two childrn with him as well, safely uptairs out of harms way. In the first few days after Katrina struck, the streets were filled with hungry people searching for anything they could obtain. Many people resorted to violence and robbery. We rarely saw police officers, and for the most part we new we couldn't count on them for any kind of help as they were so completely overwhelmed. Irregardless of what some may think, New Orleans was an extremely dangerous place to be during those first days as even news reporters were being robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight LINK. Saturday afternoon, almost a full week after the storm, Gabriel finally felt it safe enough to allow the children to once again venture outside the safety of the Hotel.
The system was broken - there was no 911 - we were on our own.
FRANKIE RILEY
Frankie is my wife Tracey's best friend in New Orleans. When the Hurricane struck, she and her family were in their home in Chalmette, less than half a mile away from where the levee burst. After climbing into their home's attic, they had to flag down a neighbor in his private boat to save them. Frankie and her family were saved, but their home was destroyed by the massive flooding. Frankie and her family now live in a FEMA supplied trailer on what used to be the front yard of their home.
ARIEL PIETRELLO
Ariel originally hails from Boston Massachusetts, relocated to New Orleans in 2002. An avid photographer, she was able to use her knowledge of the city to venture out and capture incredible images(several of her stills can be seen in "Refuge of Last Resort"). New Orleans was not a safe place to be in the aftermath of Katrina and many of the professional news reporters compared Ariel to a combat photographer, because of her courage in the face of extreme danger. Many of the still images seen in "Refuge of Last Resort" were captured by Ariel.
All images and content are ©2006 James L. Bills and Al Gomez Productions
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