A local documentary based on a book co-authored by University of South Alabama Writer-in-Residence Frye Gaillard has been nominated for a regional Emmy of �Outstanding Achievement, Television Programming Excellence� in the category of �Documentary-Cultural.� Emmys are given by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The documentary, �In the Path of the Storms� was directed by Mike Letcher and written by two Bayou La Batre teachers along with Gaillard. Gaillard said it �tells the story of the endangered, but treasured way of life in Bayou La Batre, Coden, and the other fishing villages on the Alabama Coast.�

The 55-minute film consists of interviews and stories from Bayou La Batre residents explaining the community�s struggles and challenges post Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill.

�I�m really happy for Mike Letcher,� Gaillard said. �And for Sheila Hagler and Peggy Denniston, two teachers in the community who introduced both Mike and me to the people of Bayou La Batre. But I�m most happy for the people of the Bayou, who are, after all, the stars of the film.�

The film was aired on Alabama Public Television during October 2012. The winner of the Emmy will be announced June 8. For more information, contact Frye Gaillard at (251) 460-6210 or fgaillard@southalabama.edu.