Natchez Documentary Explores Racial Divide in Historic Mississippi Town

Filmmaker Suzannah Herbert's 'Natchez' examines the town's struggle to reconcile its antebellum past with its present-day realities.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The documentary 'Natchez' offers a nuanced look at the small Mississippi town of Natchez, which has long relied on its antebellum history and 'Gone With the Wind' mythology to drive its lucrative tourism industry. Director Suzannah Herbert sensitively explores the town's ongoing struggle to address its racist past and present, as residents, both Black and white, grapple with how to authentically represent Natchez's complex legacy.

Why it matters

Natchez's story reflects the broader challenges many Southern towns face in reckoning with their histories of slavery and racial oppression. As younger generations of visitors demand more honest and inclusive narratives, places like Natchez must find ways to preserve their cultural heritage while also confronting their troubling pasts.

The details

The documentary follows several key figures in Natchez, including the town's optimistic mayor, a Black woman who runs a historic plantation site, and a white Garden Club member with deep-seated racist views. It highlights the tensions between those seeking to maintain the town's traditional 'moonlight and magnolias' image and those pushing for a more truthful representation of Natchez's history and its impact on the local Black community.

  • The documentary 'Natchez' was released in 2026.

The players

Suzannah Herbert

The director of the documentary 'Natchez', which sensitively explores the town's struggle to reconcile its antebellum past with its present-day realities.

Deborah Cosey

A Black woman who runs Concord Quarters, a historic plantation site in Natchez, and is on a mission to tell 'the rest of the story' about the town's enslaved population.

David Garner

An openly gay veteran Garden Club member in Natchez whose tour patter reveals a deep-seated racist mindset, highlighting the town's ongoing struggle with its neo-Confederate roots.

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What they’re saying

“Centering the work and lives of these forgotten souls is a mission she sees as telling 'the rest of the story.'”

— Deborah Cosey (latimes.com)

“See the real Mississippi”

— Tracy 'Rev' Collins, Black pastor (latimes.com)

What’s next

The documentary 'Natchez' continues to spark conversations about how the town can authentically represent its complex history and legacy of racism.

The takeaway

Natchez's story reflects the broader challenges many Southern towns face in reckoning with their histories of slavery and racial oppression. As younger generations demand more honest and inclusive narratives, places like Natchez must find ways to preserve their cultural heritage while also confronting their troubling pasts.