Weekend Roundup: December 22-24
December 20, 2023
Regional Military Museum installs 21 Hometown Hero Banners
December 20, 2023
Congratulations to Dulac native and member of the United Houma Nation Mariah Hernandez-Fitch, whose short film “Ekbeh” was recently selected for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Program!
Hernandez-Fitch recently graduated from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire with a degree in Film and Media Studies and a minor in Native and Indigenous Studies, and describes her short film as a tribute to Dulac and her native homelands– while focusing on themes of creating, rebuilding, and the resilience of Houma people. “I’ve lived in Dulac all my life, and the only time I left home was to attend undergrad at Dartmouth. It was a very different culture and experience at college than the one I was used to,” chucked Hernandez-Fitch. “I think I needed to leave to understand just how special Dulac is.”
Hernandez-Fitch’s film was initially made as a requirement to graduate, but turned into a more significant project for the young filmmaker. “I felt like my grandparents had such a beautiful story growing up, and I wanted to showcase that,” said Hernandez-Fitch. “I initially started it as a simple documentary about how they make their traditional gumbo, but the film began to take a new direction as I worked on it.” The film is described on the Sundance Film Festival website as follows: “While learning to make gumbo, the creator shares personal stories about their grandparents as a way to honor and preserve their Indigenous history and life.”
“Ekbeh” will premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in Utah through the week of January 21 – 28, 2024. “I am so beyond excited to have my film showing at the Sundance Festival,” said Hernandez-Fitch. “I couldn’t fully process the after I found out. I think it hit me the day I announced it– people would get to see my grandparents and their story on the big screen.” For screening times of “Ekbeh,” please click here.
“Yakuke (thank you) to all my friends and family that have helped me on this journey. This would not have been possible without all the constant support and uplifting spirits,” said Hernandez-Fitch. “Yakuke to my bayou, that has given life to my family for generations and continues to be the true creator of our stories. Finally, yakuke to Sundance for this opportunity to share this film.””
Congratulations to Mariah for this amazing accomplishment!
