The New Orleans Film Fest is gearing up for its 35th annual celebration, and the New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) has just unveiled the highly anticipated first wave of titles! This year’s festival promises to showcase over 150 films, blending in-person and virtual experiences to reach a global audience. From October 16th to 22nd, cinephiles can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of New Orleans at The Broad Theater, Contemporary Art Center, and The Prytania Theatre. For those unable to attend in person, the festival extends virtually through the NOFF Virtual Cinema from October 16th to 27th, offering a dynamic cinematic experience accessible from anywhere in the world.
Opening Night: A King Like Me to Premiere at New Orleans Film Fest
Kicking off the festivities is the Louisiana Premiere of A King Like Me, directed by Matthew O. Henderson. This powerful documentary delves into the journey of the Zulu Club, the first Black Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans, as they strive to bring the Zulu parade back to life for Mardi Gras Day 2022. Set against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, and the tragic loss of members to COVID and gun violence, the film promises an emotional and inspiring start to the festival. The screening will take place on October 16th at the Orpheum Theater.
Southern Stories Shine in the New Orleans Film Fest Lineup
This year’s lineup is a testament to NOFF’s commitment to diverse storytelling. Out of 3,200 submissions from 100 countries, the festival’s programming team has selected 136 films to compete, including 34 feature films and 102 short films. The festival boasts an impressive 31 world premieres, 2 U.S. premieres, and 48 Southern premieres, highlighting the festival’s role as a crucial platform for fresh voices in cinema. A significant portion of the lineup is dedicated to Southern filmmakers, with 56% of the films hailing from the American South and 26% originating in Louisiana. The New Orleans Film Fest continues its tradition of championing underrepresented voices, with 56% of the films directed by women and non-binary filmmakers, 56% by directors of color, and 33% by directors identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
How to Attend NOFF 2024
For the full NOFF experience, Festival Goers can purchase an All Access Pass, which provides admission and priority entry to all screenings (both in-person and virtual), parties, receptions, and the VIP Lounge. All Access Passes are currently available at a fantastic Summer Presale Rate (NOFS Members $270 | General $320) — NOFS Members save $80 off the general full-priced All Access Pass! — before the price goes up on August 30th (NOFS Members $300 | General $350). Purchase All Access Passes here.
Film lovers also have the option to buy a Virtual Pass to watch films from October 16-27, a Six Film Pass to watch any six films virtually or in-person, or purchase individual tickets. Students and teachers can take advantage of a discounted $60 All Film Pass, which grants access to all virtual and in-person screenings. All festival transactions will be contactless; acceptable forms of payment include credit and debit cards, as well as Apple and Google Pay. Click here for more details.
The New Orleans Film Fest is gearing up for its 35th annual celebration, and the New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) has just unveiled the highly anticipated first wave of titles! This year’s festival promises to showcase over 150 films, blending in-person and virtual experiences to reach a global audience. From October 16th to 22nd, cinephiles can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of New Orleans at The Broad Theater, Contemporary Art Center, and The Prytania Theatre. For those unable to attend in person, the festival extends virtually through the NOFF Virtual Cinema from October 16th to 27th, offering a dynamic cinematic experience accessible from anywhere in the world.
Opening Night: A King Like Me to Premiere at New Orleans Film Fest
Kicking off the festivities is the Louisiana Premiere of A King Like Me, directed by Matthew O. Henderson. This powerful documentary delves into the journey of the Zulu Club, the first Black Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans, as they strive to bring the Zulu parade back to life for Mardi Gras Day 2022. Set against the backdrop of a global pandemic, the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, and the tragic loss of members to COVID and gun violence, the film promises an emotional and inspiring start to the festival. The screening will take place on October 16th at the Orpheum Theater.
Southern Stories Shine in the New Orleans Film Fest Lineup
This year’s lineup is a testament to NOFF’s commitment to diverse storytelling. Out of 3,200 submissions from 100 countries, the festival’s programming team has selected 136 films to compete, including 34 feature films and 102 short films. The festival boasts an impressive 31 world premieres, 2 U.S. premieres, and 48 Southern premieres, highlighting the festival’s role as a crucial platform for fresh voices in cinema. A significant portion of the lineup is dedicated to Southern filmmakers, with 56% of the films hailing from the American South and 26% originating in Louisiana. The New Orleans Film Fest continues its tradition of championing underrepresented voices, with 56% of the films directed by women and non-binary filmmakers, 56% by directors of color, and 33% by directors identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
How to Attend NOFF 2024
For the full NOFF experience, Festival Goers can purchase an All Access Pass, which provides admission and priority entry to all screenings (both in-person and virtual), parties, receptions, and the VIP Lounge. All Access Passes are currently available at a fantastic Summer Presale Rate (NOFS Members $270 | General $320) — NOFS Members save $80 off the general full-priced All Access Pass! — before the price goes up on August 30th (NOFS Members $300 | General $350). Purchase All Access Passes here.
Film lovers also have the option to buy a Virtual Pass to watch films from October 16-27, a Six Film Pass to watch any six films virtually or in-person, or purchase individual tickets. Students and teachers can take advantage of a discounted $60 All Film Pass, which grants access to all virtual and in-person screenings. All festival transactions will be contactless; acceptable forms of payment include credit and debit cards, as well as Apple and Google Pay. Click here for more details.