Built on Zydeco is a Creole-directed documentary that celebrates the artists, legacy, and cultural impact of Zydeco music — one of Louisiana’s most powerful and enduring exports.
Filmed in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish — the capital of Zydeco — the documentary explores how this regional sound continues to define Louisiana’s identity while sustaining a multigenerational community of artists, dancers, and fans.
This powerful documentary follows three iconic figures in Creole music — Keith Frank, Terrance Simien, and Reginald “Buckwheat Jr.” Dural — alongside a rich ensemble of fellow musicians. Through immersive vérité footage, dynamic live performances, and deeply personal interviews, the film tells a compelling story of rhythm, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Creole culture.
Built on Zydeco travels with musicians across Louisiana and beyond — from trail rides and backyard gatherings to festival stages and small-town clubs — documenting how Zydeco drives local tourism, sustains cultural identity, and connects generations.
It captures how the music continues to energize communities and bring people home — serving as a gateway to Louisiana’s Creole culture, foodways, language, and lived history.
Supported in part by the 2025 #CreateLouisiana French Film Grant and with generous backing from Lafayette Travel
Production Partners
Copyright © 2026 Built on Zydeco - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.