Joe Hall's Creole Story - a documentary film

Joe's grandfather...

Joe Hall in the studio...

Ed Poullard...

Mitch Reed and Joe Hall...

Cedric Watson, Joe Hall & Chuckie Bush...

Amadee Ardoin & Dennis McGee...

ABOUT THE FILM...

Joe Hall cannot make this film on his own. Working with his bandmate and producer, Mark Palms, and documentary director and editor, Clara Riedlinger, Joe will shape the story that covers not only his own life and musical artistry, but also highlights the rich traditions of Creole and Cajun accordion music in the area. The team will interview other artists, musicians, and historians, including fiddler Cedric Watson, radio host and historian Herman Fusilier, fiddler and accordion player Forest Huval, Elnora Semien, wife of the late accordion master Nolton Semien, fiddler Mitch Reed, and accordion player and builder Ed Poullard. Collaborating with these artists will showcase the rich traditions and masterful artistry of this region.

*All donors of $100 or more will receive a personal copy of the documentary as a thank you gift for your generosity.

Archival material from Louisiana State University Libraries and Joe’s genealogical research will paint an even deeper historical picture of his family, as well as those of historically important musicians such as Amédé Ardoin, Bois Sec Ardoin, and Canray Fontenot.

The ultimate goal of this short film is to use the framework of Joe’s story to highlight the impact of Creole music on not only Louisiana culture, but American culture as a whole. Mark Palms’ work with traditional musicians nationally and across Africa and his close relationship with Joe make him an invaluable asset as producer of this film. Clara Riedlinger’s experience documenting traditional and roots musicians from Canada and throughout Appalachia give her the unique expertise required to film and edit traditional music, and to help craft a unified story out of many tangled narrative elements.

Production of the film will begin in October 2024 and last until approximately April of 2025. Post-production, including editing, soundtrack recording, and final mixing and mastering will occur from approximately May to August 2025, with a finished product ready to screen by September 2025. After the granting period, there will be a local screening and celebration of the film, followed by submissions to film festivals across the country.