News Summary

The 36th Annual New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) is scheduled from October 23 to October 27, featuring a variety of independent films and filmmakers from Louisiana and around the world. With 3,700 submissions, the festival highlights representation, with over half of the films directed by women or filmmakers of color. Attendees can expect networking opportunities, professional development activities, and virtual screenings running through November 2, all while emphasizing the rich cinematic landscape of New Orleans.

New Orleans

The 36th Annual New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) kicks off on October 23 and runs through October 27, showcasing a vibrant array of independent films and talent from Louisiana and around the globe. The festival is a platform dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and independent filmmakers, highlighting the artistic contributions of local creators and those from 125 countries.

This year’s festival received an impressive 3,700 submissions, leading to the selection of 133 films that include 27 feature films and 106 short films. Notably, more than 50% of the competing films are directed by women or gender non-conforming filmmakers, while over half are helmed by filmmakers of color, reflecting a strong commitment to representation within the film industry.

NOFF will host over 200 filmmakers and film professionals, with an anticipated attendance of around 12,000 people. The festival is presented by Andscape, a Black-led media platform within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN, underlining its dedication to fostering bold storytelling and cultural connections.

Featured Films and Events

The festival opens with the documentary “Michalopoulos – The Art of Celebration,” which focuses on the work of renowned local artist James Michalopoulos and will screen at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. The event will conclude with the screening of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” part of the Oscar-nominated “Knives Out” franchise.

Screenings are set to take place at various venues across New Orleans, including the Broad Theater, Contemporary Art Center, and Prytania Theatre, allowing film enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the rich cinematic experience that NOFF offers.

Networking and Professional Development Opportunities

The festival includes a diverse range of activities such as film screenings, talkback sessions with filmmakers, panels, roundtables, networking events, and filmmaker pitches. These opportunities are designed to encourage interaction and collaboration between filmmakers and attendees, fostering professional development and industry connections.

Local educational institutions are also represented at the festival: Loyola University alumni Oliver Parker and Jonathan Presson will showcase their films “In the Light of a Miracle” and “Last of the Shrimpers,” respectively. Additionally, Tulane University has five affiliated films selected, emphasizing the talent of local students and faculty.

Supporting Local Film Industry

Recently, the New Orleans film industry has faced a downturn in major productions. As a response, local industry officials are actively promoting the city as “Hollywood South” to attract more filmmakers and productions. The New Orleans Film Society, which organizes the festival, aims to reignite film production in the region through events like NOFF.

Virtual screenings will also be available through November 2, allowing those unable to attend in person to access the films. This feature broadens the audience base and enhances engagement with the festival’s offerings.

Prestige and Recognition

NOFF has gained recognition as an Oscar-qualifying event for several categories, adding to the prestige and appeal for filmmakers and audiences. This distinction highlights the importance of the festival in the larger context of independent cinema and paves the way for emerging talent to gain visibility in the industry.

Conclusion

The 36th Annual New Orleans Film Festival not only emphasizes the rich cinematic landscape of the city but also aims to promote inclusivity and diverse narratives within the film community. As it unfolds, NOFF is set to deliver a profound experience for filmmakers and audiences alike.

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Additional Resources

• My New Orleans: New Orleans Film Festival Cinema Louisiane
• Loyola Maroon: New Orleans Film Festival Features Former Loyola Students’ Films
• New Orleans City Business: New Orleans Film Festival Hollywood South 2025
• Axios: New Orleans Film Fest Event, Tickets, Lineup, Schedule
• Google Search: New Orleans Film Festival

Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.