Mardi Gras On Big Screen

Controvery and curiosity can really draw a crowd. It's was nearly standing room only Thursday night at the Saenger Theatre for the Mobile premiere of "The Order Of Myths". It was written and directed by Moble native Margaret Brown.

"I mean it's hard to like sum it up because like I said it's an open film it's meant to start conversation and get people to talk to each other and that isn't somehting that happened as I was editing," said Brown.

The documentary chronicles the 2007 Mardi Gras celebration. It carefully juxtaposes the pomp and circumstance of Carnival.
With Mardi Gras' evolution as a separate party for both blacks and whites. The film highlights Mobile's heritage, including a brief history of the Clotilde, the last American slave ship.

"We need to move forward as a city and other aspects as well we need to be more progressive about the things that we do as a city," said Joseph Roberson, 2007 MAMGA King.

"The separatism in Mobile during Mardi Gras is real and that we should really look to try to find a way to help bring it together," said Stefannie Lucas, 2007 MAMGA Queen.

The film is made for a national audience, so if you're already familiar with Mobile Mardi Gras traditions, the movie is nothing new. It does put a fresh perspective on Carnival's birthplace.

Brown says this was a very personal project- 80 minutes whittled down from 370 hours of footage.

"When we were shooting it we didn't know what the story was which is why we sort of I guess over shot and the film is only 1 hour and 20 minutes so it's a pretty big ratio right?" asked Brown.

Brown seems to do a good job of letting the movie speak for itself. While it does show racial segregation, it offers hope, but no definitive solution.

"I hope people just start talking to each other about the film and I also hope they enjoy the film," said Brown.

The audience reception was mostly positive. There were cheers when Brown pointed out that our Mardi Gras started well before New Orleans'.
If you missed the premiere, "The Order Of Myths" will open at the new Crescent Theatre in Downtown Mobile on August 15.