When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (Acts 3 & 4)
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS) will host a free screening of Spike Lee’s landmark documentary When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (Acts 3 & 4) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the historic DeLUXE Theater. The screening is part of Houston Climate & Energy Week and will be followed by a community conversation featuring authors, journalists, and community organizers who experienced and reported on the disaster firsthand.
The evening’s discussion will include Bill Herrington (Author, Contraflow: From New Orleans to Houston), Kionna Walker LeMalle (Author, Behind the Waterline), Doug Miller (Former KHOU 11 Reporter), Dr. Terence H. Fontaine (Former Deputy Chief of Staff for the Houston Mayor), and Janelle Varnado (General Manager, Oqupi Houston), with the discussion moderated by Michelle Dobbins (Houston Arts Alliance Director of Disaster Services).
First released on HBO in 2006, Lee’s When the Levees Broke is a searing four-part chronicle of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Through stunning visuals, archival news footage, and deeply personal interviews with survivors, public officials, historians, and community leaders, the film documents both the destruction and the human resilience that followed.
Acts 3 & 4 examine the lasting impact of the storm: widespread displacement, systemic government failures, and the cultural and political consequences that continue to reverberate today. The documentary also highlights the spirit and resilience of New Orleans, ensuring that its music, culture, and people remain central to the story of recovery.
The screening coincides with a critical moment for reflection, as Houston — which became home to more than 60,000 displaced Louisiana residents — considers its own role in disaster recovery and the urgent need for preparedness in the face of ongoing climate crises.
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with Houston Energy and Climate Week organizers.