Wild Magnolias is a coming-of-age narrative following a subculture that speaks through the practices of stitching, beading, and sewing elaborate suits. This is a film about the process, what happens up to the presentation of the suit, and how the practice is a one-of-a-kind creative and cultural outlet for the younger generation involved.
Wild Magnolias is currently on its festival circuit having screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals. The short was honored by a special screening at the New Orleans Jazz Museum where it was offered a permanent stay in their historical archive. The film will also be a part of the syllabus for first-year film students at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
About the director …
Alexandra is a filmmaker whose work explores how we inform the next generation in our complex cultures. Growing up in New Orleans has taught her how crucial culture and art is in shaping future generations, how the family extends outside the home, and how mentors show up in adolescence beyond a family structure.
She met Bo through her mother, a local costume designer in the city who works with Bo and other Mardi Gras Indians. One day she visited Bo at his barbershop and that very same day Alvon and Corey came into the shop after school, took their patches out of their backpacks, and started sewing. Between cutting hair Bo would look at their process and give feedback on their sewing. It was after that visit she set out to make this documentary following the younger generation involved along with the guidance of their mentor.