The Cinema on the Bayou Film Festival is set to honor the pioneering work of Glen Pitre, a renowned figure in American regional cinema. This special event will feature two restored films originally released in 1981, both entirely in Cajun French with English subtitles. These movies, Yellow Fever and .50 a Barrel!, once thought lost due to Hurricane Katrina, have been recovered thanks to a grant from the Golden Globes. The festival promises an evening filled with cultural richness, including a Q&A session with Pitre and a reception celebrating Cajun traditions.

On January 28th, at the Citè Des Arts Downtown Lafayette Theater, audiences will be treated to these cinematic treasures. Both films achieved remarkable success during their initial release, breaking attendance records across south Louisiana. The restoration project by IndieCollect has brought these classics back to life, offering modern viewers a glimpse into a unique chapter of American independent film history.

Yellow Fever, set in 1897, portrays a community grappling with a yellow fever epidemic. The film's depiction of families separated and quarantined resonates deeply with contemporary experiences of isolation. Pitre's choice to cast local Cajun actors adds authenticity to this dramatic narrative. Meanwhile, .50 a Barrel! explores the economic struggles of bayou fishermen during the Great Depression. Through the conflicting accounts of two elderly neighbors, the film delves into the complexities of human memory and the impact of historical events on community dynamics.

In addition to the retrospective, Pitre's latest collaboration, Mysterious Behaviors, will premiere on January 27th at the St. Landry Cinema in Opelousas. This LSU student-led project tells a whimsical story about an extraterrestrial studying human behavior on campus. Directed by multiple student filmmakers, the film showcases the creativity and talent of the next generation of filmmakers. Admission is free, making it an accessible opportunity for audiences to engage with emerging voices in cinema.

This series of events underscores the enduring legacy of Glen Pitre and highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating regional narratives. By bringing these films to light, the festival not only honors the past but also inspires future storytellers. The combination of historical significance and contemporary relevance makes this celebration a must-see for cinephiles and culture enthusiasts alike.