The 12 Best Documentaries About Baton Rouge

Sep 30, 2023 | Best Of, Crime, Geography

Baton Rouge is a fascinating city with plenty of stories to tell. From its vibrant culture and history to its exciting attractions, there are countless tales that have gone untold – until now! In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best documentaries that dive deep into the heart of Baton Rouge and uncover hidden stories from people who have called it home. From educational programs to engaging films, these documentaries will give you a unique view of this incredible city and its people.

 

1. Derrick Todd Lee: The Baton Rouge Serial Killer – Full documentary

One of the most notorious criminals in Louisiana’s history was Derrick Todd Lee, a serial murderer who killed at least seven women in Baton Rouge between 1994 and 2003. Twenty years later, the victims’ families and law enforcement personnel recall this dark period with chilling clarity. The tragedy first began when Charlotte Murray Pace was found murdered in her home on May 31st, 2002. Before long, more women met the same fate – all of them linked to Derrick Todd Lee, who was eventually apprehended and convicted of almost all the murders.

 

2. Thuggin It & Lovin It (DVD About The Streets Of Baton Rouge )

Experience a firsthand look at what it’s like to live and thrive on the streets of Baton Rouge. This documentary takes you behind the scenes and immerses you in the culture that runs deep in this vibrant city. From the hustle-and-bustle of downtown to the outskirts of town, this documentary follows in-depth stories about people living life to the fullest. Discover what it means to live with hustle and determination on these hardscrabble streets, as you get a rare glimpse into a side of Baton Rouge that many don’t know about.

 

3. How A Psychic Caught The Baton Rouge Serial Killer | Psychic Investigators | Shiver

For years, Baton Rouge has been stricken with fear and terror. A serial killer had preyed upon innocent women for far too long, leaving the authorities clueless. In January 2003, a gifted psychic medium felt an unsettling compulsion to intervene in the investigation. She received visions of a cruel murderer on the loose that filled her with dread. Knowing that time was of the essence, she desperately sought a way to convince the police of her premonition. She turned to Psychic Investigators for help in capturing the villain before another life was taken.

 

4. Baton Rouge’s Troubled Waters | 2008

The African American community of Baton Rouge was full of life in the 1940s and 50s. It had its own doctors, dentists, tailor-made clothes shops, theaters, restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and fish markets that were not only providing everyone with whatever they needed but also bringing people together. Even renowned entertainers chose to perform on the local Temple’s roof. Despite its self-sufficiency and strong sense of community, however, the African Americans were not spared from segregationist laws.

 

5. One Night in Baton Rouge: An in-depth report into the disappearance and death of Nathan Millard

Baton Rouge is known for its captivating beauty, but within this city of delight lies a mystery that has left many questions unanswered. One night in Baton Rouge will take you on an investigative journey looking into the disappearance and untimely death of Nathan Millard. Nathan was just like any other individual who comes to BR for work reasons. His presence in the city, however, was shrouded by darkness and a series of unpredictable turns. Unearthing all the pieces of this story will bring to light deep-seated issues and anxieties within our beloved city.

 

6. BATON ROUGE – WORST HOODS 2021

On one side of Baton Rouge lies a vibrant city full of life and culture. On the other, a world of poverty and deprivation that many would find hard to imagine. 2021 saw the release of several documentaries about this incredible Louisiana city, exploring both sides in remarkable detail. From stories of success to tales of struggle, these films delve deep into the life of Baton Rouge and bring its many contrasts to light.

 

7. Baton Rouge’s Sean Vincent Gillis case

Born into a quiet neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sean Vincent Gillis seemed like an ordinary man. By day he worked as an unemployed computer technician; by night he was a mild-mannered sci-fi buff who liked nothing better than to hang out with his friends and watch movies. Although he had never been convicted of a crime before, few knew that Sean was harboring a sinister secret. Sean Vincent Gillis had been leading a double life – one of murder and mayhem.

 

8. The Real Hoods Of Baton Rouge The Dirty South + Why The Deep South Sucks

Take a deep dive into the real hoods and streets of the iconic Baton Rouge. From the crime-ridden Cajun country to the bright lights of downtown, explore what life is like in one of America’s most unique cities. Learn why locals love to call it home while discovering why the Deep South often gets a bad rap. Go behind the scenes and uncover the truth about this fascinating location with a documentary that captures its unique culture and spirit. See what life is like in the BR, learn why it’s a great place to live, and find out why some of its most famous spots are so iconic.

 

9. A HURRICANE CALLED BETSY – Cat 4 Tropical Cyclone Documentary | New Orleans | Baton Rouge

This powerful documentary chronicles the journey of Hurricane Betsy from its emergence in the Caribbean to its devastating impact on New Orleans and Baton Rouge. From the Bahamas to Miami, Florida Keys, and along the Gulf Coast, viewers follow Betsy’s 3,000-mile path of destruction. The film gives an up close look at how communities reacted and persevered during the storm’s onslaught. Through interviews with survivors and local leaders, viewers gain an emotional appreciation for the destruction caused by this powerful hurricane.

 

10. Bella Vita: The Baton Rouge Documentary

Experience the magic of Baton Rouge with Bella Vita! From the rolling hills to the sunsets that light up the skies, Louisiana’s capital city is a vibrant destination full of life. The Street Addiks team has been filming all around town, capturing footage from LSU and Southern University in their documentary film: Bella Vita: The Baton Rouge Documentary. This film will take you on a journey of discovery, and show you a side of Baton Rouge that few people ever see.

 

11. Signpost to Freedom: The 1953 Baton Rouge Bus Boycott | 2004

T.J. Jemison was no stranger to the city of Baton Rouge upon his arrival in 1949. His father, having been the president of the National Baptist Convention, a large African-American organization, preceded him. However, it was during Rev. Jemison’s tenure with Mt Zion Baptist Church that a movement emerged in opposition to segregation on public buses – an event known as the 1953 Baton Rouge Bus Boycott.

 

12. DRIVING TOUR LOUISIANA BATON ROUGE HOOD | “THE BOTTOM” Plagued By Poverty and Crime since 1960’s?

Baton Rouge is not only Louisiana’s capital, but also a historic and vibrant city with a unique economic history. Located on the eastern banks of the Mississippi river, it has served as parish seat for East Baton Rouge Parish since the early 2000s. Recently, it has become the 99th most populous city in the United States and second largest city in Louisiana after New Orleans. In 2020, its population was estimated to be 227,470 while its consolidated population grew to 456,781.[5]

 

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David B