CITY OF A MILLION DREAMS

Jazz funerals are among the most recognized yet least understood traditions of New Orleans. Rooted in the legacy of "funerals with music," these rituals blend mourning and celebration, honoring the lives of the departed while affirming community continuity. CITY OF A MILLION DREAMS explores their cultural significance through the city's parading club culture, documented beginning in 2005 by writer and videographer Deb Cotton. At the center is acclaimed clarinetist Michael White, known for performing the traditional "widow's wail" in funeral processions. After Hurricane Katrina destroys his home and musical archives, White struggles to rebuild his life and career. His journey reflects the broader themes of loss, resilience and renewal that define both the jazz funeral tradition and the city itself.