Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, a five-part docuseries produced by Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media in partnership with Lightbox, is set to premiere on National Geographic on July 27th.
The series reveals stories of survival, heroism, and resilience, as well as a call to witness, remember, and reckon with the truth of Katrina’s legacy.
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Traci A. Curry, the series explores the reasons behind the disaster, who was left behind, and what Katrina revealed about America. The series uses powerful archival footage, emotional first-person testimonies, and a raw narrative arc to explore different chapters of the crisis, from the chaotic buildup to the failures of leadership and the long-term displacement of Black communities.
The initial reactions to the government’s response to the crisis revealed significant divisions along racial lines. A national poll conducted on September 6-7, 2005, shortly after the storm made landfall, revealed that African Americans provided a critical evaluation of the federal government’s response in a natural disaster, according to Pew Research.
(L): During Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome in New Orleans served as a crucial refuge for countless individuals seeking safety; Photo Credit: Getty Images/Janes Nielsen; (R): Residents seen on a rooftop, hoping for rescue from the rising floodwaters caused by Hurricane Katrina on September 1, 2005; Photo Credit: STR/Reuters
Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating and expensive hurricanes in US history, struck the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. The storm resulted in approximately 1,833 fatalities, widespread homelessness, and numerous displaced families leaving the city. The damages were estimated at $161 billion, particularly affecting New Orleans and its surrounding areas, as noted in the George H. Bush library archive.
At the time, New Orleans faced wind gusts reaching 100 miles per hour and significant flooding following the breach of levees by flood waters. By August 31, 2005, 80% of New Orleans was submerged. Hurricane Katrina impacted other regions in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
The full series will be available on Disney+ and Hulu on July 28th.
