In 2023, the city of Shreveport marked the 150th anniversary of the third-worst epidemic of yellow fever in United States history. The human toll was staggering: over one-quarter of the population died from the illness within a matter of weeks. The human suffering wrought in 1873 remains unparalleled to this day. Yet amid this tragedy emerged heroic virtue, exemplified in the lives of five priests who voluntarily and freely offered their life for others and persevered with this determination unto death.

“The Five Priests” documentary – which draws on research by LSU Shreveport history professor Dr. Cheryl White and colleagues — is earning worldwide attention during the current international film festival season.

The full-length film is based on “Shreveport Martyrs of 1873: The Surest Path to Heaven” by Dr. White, historian W. Ryan Smith and Father Peter Mangum, the rector of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport. “Shreveport Martyrs of 1873: The Surest Path to Heaven” was published by The History Press in 2021 and is available in hardcover, paperback and e-book formats.

The LSUS Foundation is among underwriters for the documentary. The foundation also sponsored the film’s premiere at The Strand Theatre in Shreveport in November.

John E. Settle Jr. is a co-sponsor of the screenings at the Robinson Film Center.

“The Five Priests” features interviews with Dr. White, Mr. Smith and Father Mangum, Catholic authorities and Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins. Cutting-edge animation by Richard Langberg of West Coast Visual FX brings to life the story behind the dry documents that record the deadly outbreak of yellow fever.

On Dec. 1, there will be a 5 p.m. screening will take place in Theater 2, RFC’s 45-seat capacity theater.

The 7:30 p.m. screening will take place in Theater 1, RFC’s 124-seat capacity theater.

Ticket purchase includes access to a VIP reception at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, visit robinsonfilmcenter.org/#/five-priests/.