New Orleans Film Festival 2024

The New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) has grown into a celebrated event, attracting filmmakers, cinephiles, and industry professionals from around the world. This Oscar®-qualifying festival is known for its eclectic selection of films and its commitment to diversity and discovery. Whether attending in person or through its virtual platform, NOFF offers audiences the chance to explore thought-provoking films and engage with some of the industry's most innovative creators.

Films and Activities: What to Expect

At the core of the New Orleans Film Festival is its impressive lineup of over 150 films, including shorts, features, and documentaries from both emerging and established filmmakers. According to the organizers, around 90% of the selected films come from submissions, providing an opportunity for a wide range of voices to be heard. This year, a significant portion of the films will be directed by women, gender non-conforming individuals, and filmmakers of color, reflecting the festival's commitment to inclusivity.

In addition to screenings, festival-goers can attend post-film Q&A sessions with filmmakers, participate in industry panels, and explore networking opportunities at events like the Filmmakers Conference and South Pitch. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual cinema will be available from October 16-27, offering a large portion of the lineup to a global audience.

Lineup

The 2024 New Orleans Film Festival features an exciting lineup of films across genres, showcasing both local and global talent. One standout narrative feature is Taste the Revolution, a comedy following two filmmakers chronicling the rise of revolutionary leader Mac Laslow, played by Mahershala Ali. In the documentary A King Like Me, viewers gain rare access to the Zulu Club as they fight to bring back the iconic Mardi Gras parade amidst challenges like COVID and Hurricane Ida. I Love You, AllWays offers a glimpse into New Orleans' vibrant drag and burlesque scene, centered around the famed AllWays Lounge. For animation fans, Super High: A Period Piece is a comedic short that explores one woman's surreal experience with cannabis edibles. Lastly, Te Puna Ora focuses on the efforts of Tahitian women to protect their island from unsustainable development. Many more films across genres and themes will be available to explore.

Schedule and Program Details

The festival runs for six days in person from October 16-22, followed by an extended virtual cinema option through October 27. Screenings are held across a variety of venues in New Orleans, including pop-up cinemas and historic locations, offering a unique backdrop for the festival. The in-person events are expected to attract over 12,000 attendees, with opportunities to connect with filmmakers and film enthusiasts at themed parties, mixers, and late-night gatherings. According to the organizers, the Second Line parade and live music events are some of the highlights that contribute to the festival's distinctive atmosphere.

Ticket Information and Parking

Tickets for individual screenings are priced at $16 for the general public and $13 for NOFF members. Virtual cinema tickets are slightly cheaper, with prices set at $11 for the general public and $8 for members. Passes are also available, including an All Access Pass, a Six Film Pass, and a Student + Teacher Pass, all of which grant priority entry to screenings and events. For convenience, parking options near festival venues are available, but it's recommended to check specific locations in advance as New Orleans can be busy during the festival days.

Location and Nearby Attractions

NOFF takes place in various locations around the city, primarily in downtown New Orleans. As the festival is set in one of the country's most culturally vibrant cities, attendees can also explore nearby attractions such as the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the banks of the Mississippi River.

Festival History and Evolution

The New Orleans Film Festival was established by the New Orleans Film Society, which was founded in 1989 with a mission to nurture local talent and showcase the work of Southern filmmakers. Over the years, the festival has grown in both scale and reputation, becoming one of the few Oscar®-qualifying festivals in all three Academy-accredited categories: Narrative Short, Animated Short, and Documentary Short. The event, sometimes referred to as the "Cannes on the Mississippi," has maintained a focus on discovering fresh talent, especially filmmakers whose voices have historically been underrepresented in the industry.