Watch Vanishing Pearls: The Oystermen Of Pointe A La Hache

Vanishing Pearls: The Oystermen Of Pointe A La Hache is a documentary film from 2014 directed by Nailah Jefferson. The film tells the story of the people of Pointe A La Hache, a small fishing town in Louisiana, whose livelihoods were devastated by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. The film focuses on the lives of the oystermen of Pointe A La Hache, who have been harvesting oysters from the waters around the town for generations. The oysters are a crucial part of the local economy, and the film explores the history and culture of the town, and the relationship between the oystermen and the oysters.

The film is structured around the experiences of a few key characters, including Byron Encalade, the president of the Louisiana Oystermen Association, and Stanley Encalade, a third-generation oysterman. The film also features interviews with other members of the community, as well as environmental activists, scientists, and government officials involved in the aftermath of the oil spill.

At the heart of the film is a sense of frustration and sadness at the damage that has been done to the town and its people by the oil spill. The film shows the physical and emotional toll that the disaster has taken on the oystermen and their families, as well as the wider community.

The oyster beds and fishing grounds around Pointe A La Hache were heavily impacted by the spill, and the film shows the efforts of the oystermen to try and recover their livelihoods in the aftermath. The film also explores some of the difficult choices facing the community, such as whether to accept compensation from BP in exchange for releasing the company from further liability.

Despite the difficult subject matter, the film is also a celebration of the strength and resilience of the people of Pointe A La Hache. The film shows the community coming together to support one another in the face of adversity, and highlights the importance of local traditions and culture in sustaining communities through difficult times.

Visually, the film is stunning, with beautiful shots of the Louisiana coastline and the oyster beds, as well as archive footage and photographs of the town and its people through the years. The film also features a haunting score by composer Walter Sickert that adds to the sense of melancholy and loss that permeates the film.

Overall, Vanishing Pearls: The Oystermen Of Pointe A La Hache is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on the devastating impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on a small fishing town in Louisiana. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the people of Pointe A La Hache, and a call to action for all of us to protect the natural resources that sustain our communities.