Closed for Storm

Closed for Storm is an intriguing and emotionally charged documentary released in 2020. This fascinating film stars a trio of narrators, Ahmad Harhash, Jared Black, and Ryan Bordenave, presenting the haunting tale of a once thriving and vibrant amusement park turned post-Katrina ghost town. Directed by the talented Jacob Hamilton, this documentary isn't just about a simple amusement park; it is about the city of New Orleans itself, the devastation it faced, and its struggle to recuperate from one of the most significant natural disasters in American history.

The narrative of Closed for Storm centers around the Jazzland amusement park, situated in New Orleans East. Established in the year 2000, this amusement park was quite popular and was seen as a symbol of joy, fun, and family entertainment. However, when Hurricane Katrina in 2005 devastated the city of New Orleans, Jazzland faced the brunt of the storm, and the amusement park was subsequently closed. Unfortunately, 15 years later, the park remains closed, symbolizing the ruinous impact of the storm.

The film combines present-day footage of the desolate, neglect-ridden park along with interviews featuring former employees, patrons, and several individuals who share memories and experiences tied to Jazzland. These interviews offer us the depth and beauty of a community's shared memory and a profound testament to a society that dared to dream of a brighter, fun-filled future before being hit by a disaster.

Ahmad Harhash, Jared Black, and Ryan Bordenave narrate the story, alternating between painting a picture of Jazzland's past and detailing its present condition. They voice the story with sincerity and emotion, making viewers feel the deep sense of loss experienced by the townsfolk ever since the closure of their beloved park.

The documentary stands out with its excellent cinematography, with sweeping drone shots capturing the abandoned amusement park's skeletal remains. The striking visuals of rusting roller coasters, decaying log flumes, and faded attraction signs present a striking contrast against the lush overgrowth that now surrounds them. Viewers also see the city of New Orleans within the movie, showcasing the rebuilding and vibrant culture emerging from the ruins, adding context and character to the somber history of Jazzland.

One can't discuss Closed for Storm without mentioning the fantastic work of Jacob Hamilton. His directing style balances the line between emotional memoir and journalistic inquiry. Hamilton offers a visual journey through the haunted landscapes of a post-Katrina New Orleans. He adeptly intersperses raw footage of the hurricane, its aftermath, and Jazzland's gradual deterioration, enhancing the narrative's emotional resonance. The result is a vivid and deeply personal account of how one community's joyous gathering place fell victim to an unforeseen disaster.

While the focus of Closed for Storm is on the amusement park Jazzland, the themes it explores are universal, discussing the broader complexities surrounding urban planning, nature's fury, disaster management, community resilience, and the inherent changes that follow such catastrophic events. It also raises questions about the priorities in recovery and restoration for a community post-disaster, and the shared memory and heritage attached to seemingly "non-essential" structures and spaces.

The haunting score of the film plays a large part in setting the poignant mood, with subtle music and sound design that amplify the emotive impact of the visuals. The eeriness of echoing laughter and long-silenced screams of joy juxtaposed with the silence that engulfs the park now takes viewers on a somber journey down memory lane.

Closed for Storm is an evocative, gripping, and stunning exploration of the remnants of a bygone era. This documentary presents a sobering yet inspiring reminder of the power nature holds, the transient nature of human creations, and the resilience of community spirit in the face of adversity. Hamilton not only creates a documentary on a decaying amusement park but also a poignant, in-depth look into societal resilience and shared memories. The result is a deeply felt tribute to a lost piece of New Orleans' unique cultural landscape, making Closed for Storm a must-watch for fans of documentaries, history, cultural studies, and urban planning.