Film Review
Independent America: Rising from Ruins
reviewed by Lily von Mosch
The newest documentary from Hanson Hosein, the filmmaker behind "Independent America: The Two Lane Search for Mom & Pop," documents post-Hurricane Katrina efforts to rebuild not just the infrastructure, but the communities and character of New Orleans. Beyond simply a moving look at the uphill battles faced by those in New Orleans, this movie is a commentary on the place of independent business in the face of disaster.
In the aftermath of Katrina, the first businesses to reopen were local independents. Some restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and hardware stores opened within a few days. Many of them did so realizing they would not operate at a profit, but were needed -- some for psychological reason more than for the products or services they offered. They were oases amongst the destruction, welcoming people back to the neighborhood, providing meeting places for the displaced. These businesses proved to be the catalyst needed for some communities to start rebuilding, giving others the courage to come back.
On the other hand, when the going got tough, the chains got going. In many cases chain outlets either have not returned at all, or waited until a bulwark of independent businesses proved the returning profitability of the community before deciding to finally rebuild. Perhaps it should be no surprise that independent businesses were the ones to stay and were the ones to re-open first. As one business owner said, "I live here."
This is the integral point made by Rising from Ruins: those who have real ties to the community have a real investment in that community.
The film raises questions every community would do well to consider. Almost every community is vulnerable to some type of natural disaster. Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance, is quoted in the film as noting New Orleans' post-Katrina experience is an "instructive lesson to communities about becoming over-dependent on chains and absentee owned businesses" and the importance of locally-rooted business for long-term economic prosperity.
In New Orleans' 9th Ward, population levels are still at 5 to 10% of pre-Katrina numbers. In these areas the only businesses operating are either dollar stores or independently owned. Lacking basics such as grocery stores, these communities are struggling to get people to return. In other areas, where the independents have proven profitability the chains are coming back, but at the same time putting pressure on the folks who struggled through the toughest period with a sparse customer base.
Despite the key role of independents, Rising from Ruins documents a too-common pattern: Lowe's, Borders, and Walgreen's all received public tax subsidies to come back, while locals who struggled through adversity are generally left to fend for themselves. Many independent business owners interviewed in the film don't expect any assistance, but simply want a level playing field.
Rising from Ruins serves as both a cautionary tale as well as a catalyst for action. It's an engaging and informative film well worth watching, but it's even better suited to a community screening where folks can come together and discuss the questions aptly exposed by Hanson Hosein and his crew.
AMIBA affiliates may order Rising from the Ruins directly from us for public screening (contact us). If you know you only wish to view the film personally, you can order for $15 here. Hosein's first documentary feature, the equally engaging Independent America: The Two-Lane Search for Mom & Pop is available for free viewing on Hulu.com.
Lily von Mosch is a program assistant with the American Independent Business Alliance.