Spike Lee is currently in Haiti filming footage for a follow-up to his HBO documentary about Hurricane Katrina, WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE.  The film will air on the fifth anniversary of the hurricane.

WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE focused on the suffering of the New Orleans people due to the failures of the government, as well as the preventable nature of the disaster due to poorly designed and maintained levees.  Lee interviewed nearly 100 people for the film. The film was a powerful testament to the rich culture of New Orleans and the resilience of its people, as well as serving as an eye-opener to the problems of government at all levels.

Lee told an audience at Northern Arizona University that he was concerned about "Katrina fatigue," noting that over time people become indifferent to suffering. He is worried that once media attention is gone, the people of Haiti will be forgotten.

With so many recent natural disasters, many may wonder why Lee chose Haiti to shoot his follow-up documentary. Producer Jon Kilik believes "You'll get it when you see it.” Hopefully, Lee's documentary focuses on the aid organizations and their efforts to rebuild and how bureaucracy and red tape come into play.

This American Life had a fascinating episode titled Island Time, dedicated to the effort to rebuild Haiti. American households donated in record-shattering numbers to the relief efforts and many countries have pledged money in support as well. Currently, there are conferences being held to plan the reconstruction projects and deadlines and prevent embezzlement and corruption.

Source Thompson on Hollywood, via True/Slant