The feature-length documentary, TOOTIE’S LAST SUIT explores the complex relationships, rituals, history, and music of New Orleans’ vibrant Mardi Gras Indian culture while telling the story of Allison “Tootie” Montana, former Chief of Yellow Pocahontas Hunters. Celebrated throughout the New Orleans as “the prettiest,” for the beauty and inventiveness of his elaborately beaded Mardi Gras costumes, Tootie Montana masked for 52 years, longer than any other Mardi Gras Indian. Yet Tootie Montana’s contributions to Mardi Gras Indian culture far exceed his artistic innovations and dedication. Through the example of his own achievement, he came to be revered for turning Mardi Gras Indians away from gang-style violence toward artistic accomplishment and competition. In the aftermath of Katrina, TOOTIE’S LAST SUIT bears witness to the Mardi Gras Indians who, in picking up the threads of their torn lives and tradition, are the spiritual healers of New Orleans.

Wynton Marsalis
Self

Dr. John
Self

The Order of Myths
The Order of Myths

Hurricane on the Bayou
Hurricane on the Bayou

Big Charity: The Death of America's Oldest Hospital
Big Charity: The Death of America's Oldest Hospital

Seed of the Son
Seed of the Son

Feed Them to the Cannibals!
Feed Them to the Cannibals!

Richard Pryor: Here and Now
Richard Pryor: Here and Now

A King Like Me
A King Like Me

Inside Hurricane Katrina
Inside Hurricane Katrina

Lagniappe
Lagniappe

Katrina Babies
Katrina Babies

JazzTown
JazzTown

Murda Capital
Murda Capital