New Orleans Film Society Gala announces 2025 award honorees, including Amy Schumer as Celluloid Hero Award recipient, Lucinda Williams as Lifetime Achievement Award for Music in Film recipient and Darcy McKinnon as Lumière Award recipient. Plus NOFF’s Filmmakers Conference, South Pitch, Made in LA Day, Student Industry Day and more.
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) announced today its full list of panels, parties and events for the 36th annual, Oscar®- qualifying New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF), including the NOFF Filmmaker’s Conference presented by New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation, South Pitch (premier platform for emerging Southern artists to showcase their works and receive funding), Made in Louisiana Day (a celebration of homegrown talent and the state’s deep-rooted connection to independent film), Student Industry Day (a collaborative event with COOL Cooperative, introducing New Orleans’ youth to careers in film and entertainment), the New Orleans Film Society Gala (NOFS’ annual night of filmmakers, celebrities, and supporters backing NOFS’s year-round independent film programs) and so much more.
Individual tickets are now available to purchase for NOFS members (general public tickets on sale October 2, 12 PM CST), plus All Access Passes (which grant access to all parties except the NOFS Gala), Six Film Passes, Student + Teacher Passes and Virtual Passes are also now available for purchase. To view a full list of all NOFF panels, parties and events, visit neworleansfilmsociety.org/lineup-events.
NOFS is excited to host its annual Gala during the festival on Friday, October 24 at the Civic Theatre and has announced its three award honorees: Amy Schumer will receive the Celluloid Hero Award, Lucinda Williams will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Music in Film, and Darcy McKinnon will the receive the festival’s Lumière Award. Tickets to the Gala ($500) include access to the Patron Party presented by Liberty Bank (hosted by Judith Owen), dinner and drinks, plus an exclusive performance presented by Positive Vibrations Foundation by Grammy Award–winning artist Nathaniel Rateliff and additional special musical guests. Tickets to the Gala are now available to purchase at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/nofsgala/.
“This year’s Festival is packed with incredible parties, panels, and red carpet premieres, and the Gala is at the heart of it,” said Dodd Loomis, Interim Executive Director of the New Orleans Film Society. “It’s a great honor for the Film Society to gather our community to recognize the artistry of Amy Schumer, Lucinda Williams and Darcy McKinnon, especially in a year where we are forging new partnerships with some of New Orleans’ most vital cultural institutions, from universities to museums to theaters across the city.”
Laura Ashley, Board president of the New Orleans Film Society, added, “This year’s Gala is a celebration of storytelling that dares to be bold and original—qualities Amy Schumer, Lucinda Williams, and Darcy McKinnon embody in their work. Honoring these three extraordinary women is not just a moment of recognition, but a statement about the power of comedy, music, and film to reflect and transform the world around us. We are thrilled to honor them in New Orleans.”
The festival also announced the participants selected for this year’s prestigious South Pitch program, the festival’s signature platform for Southern filmmakers to share works-in-progress, gain critical feedback, and receive funding that can propel their projects forward. Open to both industry insiders and curious audiences alike, the two-day program offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how leading decision makers evaluate films and shape their future. Over the years, South Pitch has launched dozens of Southern stories by providing artists with cash awards and invaluable guidance from top industry voices.
The program unfolds in two tracks—narrative, sponsored by MUBI, on Friday, October 24, and documentary, sponsored by Seed&Spark, on Saturday, October 25. In each two-hour session, up to five filmmaking teams have five minutes to pitch their projects to a distinguished panel of funders, broadcasters, distributors, and producers, followed by ten minutes of insightful, candid feedback. Participants include:
- Narrative Projects
- A.J. Riggins – Charlotte, N.C. – Narrative Features: Look at Toine
- Ashley Shelton – Knoxville, Tenn. – Narrative Features: Shewolf
- Elsee Junior St Preux, Norcross, Ga. – Narrative Features: Saltwater Symphony
- Marena Meala – Austin, Tx. – Narrative Short: Body Shop
- Tony Oswald – Nashville, Tenn. – Narrative Features: Blind Hog
- Documentary Projects
- Cherelle Swain – Washing, D.C. – Documentary Feature: Southmont Drive
- Emily Harrold – Orangeburg, S.C. – Documentary Feature: Sister Senators
- Emily Thomas – Baltimore, Md. – Documentary Feature: The Dead Zone
- Jennifer Gerber – Hot Springs, Arkansas – Documentary Feature: Dirty Girl
- Nathan Willis – New Orleans, La. – Documentary Feature: Invertigo (working title)
Highlights for NOFF’s additional parties and events include:
- Immediately following the Opening Night screening of Michalopoulos at the Historic Mahalia Jackson Theater, guests are invited to continue the celebration at James Michalopoulos’s iconic studio at 527 Elysian Fields Avenue. The evening will feature food, music, and a vibrant gathering in the very space that has inspired so much of his artistry.
- For the second year, NOFF will also feature a student takeover of the festival hub, on Monday October 27. The student programming will be led by the COOL Cooperative, blending hands-on film production activities with powerful cultural storytelling. Students can explore everything from motion control capture, matting, and character design to large-scale world building, while also engaging with the Blanchard House Institute’s Heritage Documentary Project, which empowers youth to preserve local history through film. In addition, the festival will host a special student screening, followed by a Q&A with filmmakers, and lunch provided by Fidelity Bank—making for a dynamic mix of learning, creativity, and inspiration.
- This year, NOFF will launch its Inaugural All College Day, expanding student engagement to New Orleans’ universities. Co-hosted by Tulane and Loyola, the program will welcome college students from across the city for an afternoon of panels with leading industry professionals, a young alumni conversation on building careers in film, and a special showcase celebrating student films selected for the festival. It’s a new opportunity for college audiences to connect, learn, and see themselves represented on the big screen.
- For the first time, the New Orleans Film Festival partners with the iconic New Orleans Jazz Museum to celebrate the electrifying intersection of music and film. Featuring conversations with composer Dominic Lewis, a panel on using production music in film, and screenings of A Life in Rhythm: The Ray Conniff Story and In a Good Place Now: The Life & Music of Bobby Charles, this special collaboration spotlights the artistry and innovation where rhythm meets the screen.
- The New Orleans Film Festival will host a special Michalopoulos pop-up exhibition on display during the festival at the CAC HUB from October 23-27. Catch a sneak peek of James Michalopoulos’ upcoming yearlong exhibition at the Cabildo—Michalopoulos: Mystical Expressionism—opening November 21, along with a special collection of Jazz Fest studies featuring Tank and the Bangas, many never displayed to the public.
- A celebration of homegrown talent and Louisiana’s deep-rooted ties to independent film, Made in Louisiana Day will feature a town hall of local industry leaders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and resources, offering filmmakers practical guidance and highlighting the state’s role as a vital hub for storytelling.
- The festival will also feature special musical performances from Country Music Award nominee Nathaniel Rateliff as part of the Film Festival Gala and as part of the screening of Lovers (which he executive produced).
Highlights for NOFF’s lineup of panels and conference-related programming include:
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- Fireside chat with Ben McKenzie, known for his roles on The OC and Gotham, who will be in conversation about his new film Everyone’s Been Lying to You for Money;
- Filmmaker roundtable featuring Emmy Award winner Will Greenfield, executive producer of Sinners and Euphoria;
- Workshop led by Oscar-nominated director Benh Zeitlin on directed inexperienced actors.
- Panel discussion on the toll of the reality television experience on casts, including past Survivor stars Hai Giang and Erica Durousseau.
- “Slips, Trips & Falls: A Stunts Workshop” will be led by Mike Yahn, Stunt Coordinator for Descendants, Sherlock Holmes, Daredevil and more).
To view the full conference and events schedule, neworleansfilmsociety.org/lineup-events.
Amy Schumer to Receive the Celluloid Hero Award
The Celluloid Hero Award is the New Orleans Film Society’s signature honor, presented annually to artists and advocates whose work has had a lasting impact on film and culture. This year, NOFS is proud to present the award to Amy Schumer, an artist whose fearless comedy, acclaimed acting, and groundbreaking writing have pushed boundaries and reshaped conversations around gender, identity, and power in contemporary culture. Like past honorees—from celebrated performers such as Matthew McConaughey, John Goodman, Patricia Clarkson, and Harry Shearer to steadfast champions of the arts like Alexa Georges, Elston Howard, and Susan Brennan—Schumer embodies the spirit of creative risk-taking and cultural influence that this award was created to celebrate. In honoring her, NOFS recognizes not only her achievements on screen but also her broader impact as a storyteller, advocate, and trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
About Amy Schumer:
Amy Schumer is an Emmy winning and Golden Globe, Tony and Grammy nominated standup comedian, actress, writer, producer, and director. She most recently starred in, produced and co-wrote Netflix’s Comedy KINDA PREGNANT which was produced under Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Production Banner. This year she also executive produced the documentary ROOM TO MOVE which had its world premiere at The Tribeca Film Festival.
Schumer’s other projects include her critically acclaimed series LIFE & BETH from Hulu, which Schumer starred in, created, wrote, and directed and the Golden Globe nominated Netflix comedy special, AMY SCHUMER: EMERGENCY CONTACT. Schumer is also the creator, star, writer and executive producer of the award-winning INSIDE AMY SCHUMER the popular Comedy Central television series, which premiered in April 2013 to the network’s highest season premiere ratings of that year. INSIDE AMY SCHUMER won the 2015 Writers Guild Award for Best Comedy/Variety Sketch series. In 2015, the show was honored with the first-ever Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sketch Variety Series. Schumer was also nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series and Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. Schumer received honors for Individual Achievement in Comedy and Outstanding Achievement in Comedy from the Television Critics Association in 2015. Additionally, she was awarded the 2015 Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. Among the show’s many accolades, it also received the prestigious Peabody Award in 2014.
Schumer’s first book, The New York Times bestseller The Girl with The Lower Back Tattoo, earned her a 2017 Grammy Award nomination for Best Spoken Word Album and was released in paperback in August 2017.
Some of her other credits include award winning TRAINWRECK (2015), SNATCHED (2017) and THE HUMANS (2021) and her comedy specials AMY SCHUMER: LIVE AT THE APOLLO (2015), THE LEATHER SPECIAL (2017), and AMY SCHUMER: GROWING (2019). She was nominated for a Tony for her role in Steve Martin’s play METEOR SHOWER (2017).
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Lucinda Williams to Receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Music in Film
The Lifetime Achievement Award for Music in Film is presented by the New Orleans Film Society to honor artists whose work has left an indelible mark on both the art of cinema and the world of music. Lucinda Williams’ songs—intimate, poetic, and deeply rooted in the American South—have long resonated on screen, heightening stories with their raw emotional power and evocative sense of place. Her singular songwriting has not only influenced generations of musicians but has also shaped the sonic landscape of countless films and television shows. In recognizing Williams, NOFS celebrates an artist whose music continues to bridge storytelling traditions, bringing the depth of lived experience to both stage and screen.
About Lucinda Williams:
Lucinda Williams is a pioneering Louisiana-born singer-songwriter whose raw vocals and fearless songwriting have made her one of America’s most revered artists. Over a four-decade career, she has released fourteen acclaimed albums, earned three Grammy Awards—including wins for Car Wheels on a Gravel Road and the songs “Passionate Kisses” and “Get Right with God”—and was named Time magazine’s 2001 Songwriter of the Year. Williams first broke through with her landmark 1998 album Car Wheels on a Gravel Road and has continued to expand her artistry with albums like Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone and Ghosts of Highway 20. Her 2020 record, Good Souls, Better Angels, marked a powerful return to her gritty blues roots, blending topical urgency with themes of resilience and hope.
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Darcy McKinnon to Receive the Lumière Award
While its name nods to the Lumière brothers, early innovators of cinema, this award is less about their legacy and more about what their name evokes: light itself. The Lumière Award honors an established filmmaker, not one emerging, but one already recognized as a true professional and artist, whose work demonstrates how film, in the right hands, can shine a light on the world in profound and lasting ways.
Light is both the raw material of cinema and a metaphor for its impact. Great filmmakers use light not only to shape images but to illuminate truths, reveal hidden corners of our humanity, and guide audiences toward deeper understanding.
This year’s honoree, a documentarian whose body of work brings clarity, compassion, and urgency to vital stories, embodies that purpose. The Lumière Award celebrates not just a career of artistic mastery, but a commitment to using cinema as a beacon; to inspire, to connect, and to enlighten.
About Darcy McKinnon:
Darcy McKinnon is a documentary filmmaker based in New Orleans, whose work focuses on the American South and the Caribbean. Recently released projects include A King Like Me (NOFF Opening Night selection 2024); Roleplay (NOFF 2024); Commuted, the winner of the New Orleans Film Festival Audience Award and Best Louisiana Documentary (PBS, 2024); Algiers, America, winner of the NOFF23 Audience Award (Hulu, 2023); Under G-d (Sundance 2023); Look at Me! XXXTENTACION (SXSW, Hulu, 2022); and News & Doc Emmy-nominated The Neutral Ground (Tribeca, POV, 2021), recipient of Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Documentary of the Year 2022. Her newest film, and Suzannah Herbert’s Natchez, premiered at Tribeca, where it was awarded the Jury Prize for Best Documentary, in addition to awards for Editing and Cinematography.
Current projects in production include Jason Fitzroy Jeffers’ The First Plantation, Abe Felix’s Turnaround, CJ Hunt’s Unlearned. Development projects include films by Nailah Jefferson, Cyrus Moussavi, Zac Manuel and more. Her work has been on POV, Reel South, LPB, Cinemax and Hulu, and has screened at Sundance, Tribeca, SXSW, CPH:DOX and more. Darcy is an alum of the Impact Partners Producing Fellowship and the Sundance Institute Creative Producing Fellowship, and a recipient of American Documentary’s Creative Visionary Award in 2023.
NOFF Filmmaker’s Conference presented by New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation
“When people think of the New Orleans Film Festival, their minds often go straight to the films—but running in tandem is our Filmmakers Conference, and it’s a powerhouse in its own right,” Said Dodd Loomis, Interim Executive Director of the New Orleans Film Society. “The conference is where creators, industry leaders, and audiences come together for panels, workshops, and conversations that spark new ideas and collaborations. And it’s not just talk—the workshops get people out of their chairs and into the action, whether that’s shooting, acting, doing fight choreo, or experimenting with the craft of AI and filmmaking. It’s easy to get swept up in the red carpets and premieres, but the truth is, the conference is where the future of film is being imagined in real time, and that energy is every bit as thrilling as what’s on the big screen.”
FULL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
“No Experience Necessary”: Directing Raw Talent
10/24 Friday · 1:30pm
In this masterclass workshop, led by Benh Zeitlin—Oscar-nominated director of BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD (2012) and WENDY (2020)—we explore a collaboratively developed casting system for inexperienced actors. Designed to help directors explore principles of emotional architecture and learn how to hone natural talent, panel participants will get an opportunity to directly implement Benh’s casting system during this dynamic, hands-on workshop.
Alternate Streams
10/25 Saturday · 4:00pm
In this panel discussion, we sidestep the streaming giants to explore alternative VOD distribution platforms that can better serve independent filmmakers. Panelists will share strategies for reaching audiences outside of mainstream streamers, discuss the pros and cons of emerging platforms, and highlight how indie creators can maximize both visibility and revenue through these alternate distribution avenues.
Cyanotype Workshop, presented by Kodak-Atlanta
10/25 Saturday · 2:15pm
This hands-on workshop introduces the beautiful 19th-century photographic process of cyanotype. Using pre-coated 16mm stock, we’ll compose photogram image sequences, then expose contact prints to sunlight and process the film in water. Playing with exposure times, tinting, and layered textures will help us explore this inexpensive, cameraless approach to creating moving images in luminous shades of blue. The following day, our cyanotypes will be spliced and projected in celebration of this unique filmmaking technique. No experience necessary. All materials are provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own tiny objects, plants/herbs, translucent fabrics/lace/mesh, or even negatives to explore the cyanotype format.
Dial Up Trivia: You Aught To Know!
10/24 Friday · 7:15pm
Honey Tangerine Productions presents DIAL UP TRIVIA: You AUGHT to Know! An awkwardly titled trivia experience of all things 90s and 00s. There will be plenty of prizes and bragging rights to go around.
Green Screen Magic!
10/24 Friday · 1:00pm
This Hub youth activation introduces the art of green screen Chromakey technology. Come learn how green screens work in filmmaking to place people (including you!) in front of any background scene– from snowy mountain peaks to undersea depths, the vastness of outer space, or a simmering pot of gumbo! Take a trip with us around the universe, play with props and puppets, and join us for this behind-the-scenes adventure into movie magic!
How to Direct Actors, presented by SAGindie
10/24 Friday · 3:30pm
This interactive workshop led by actor and director Doug Spearman (Cradle 2 the Grave, Noah’s Arc, The Burial) is designed to help filmmakers better understand the actor’s process and learn how to “speak actor.” Through discussion and hands-on exercises, participants will explore techniques for building trust, giving clear direction, and drawing authentic performances—while also stepping into the actor’s shoes themselves to gain insight from the inside out. Perfect for filmmakers at any stage, this workshop will sharpen your ability to bring out the best in your cast and strengthen one of the most vital relationships on set.
How to Use Production Music in Your Films, presented by UPM
10/26 Sunday · 2:30pm
This panel explores the art of integrating production music into film, offering participants practical insights on how to use it seamlessly and effectively. Industry experts will break down the creative and logistical advantages of production music—why it can be the perfect fit for a project, how it supports storytelling, and what filmmakers should know about licensing, rights, and accessibility. Whether you’re working on a short, feature, or documentary, this session will help you understand how production music can elevate your film while keeping your process efficient and budget-friendly.
Introduction to 16mm Cinematography, presented by Kodak-Atlanta and Shawscope
10/24 Friday · 12:00pm
Casey Shaw of Shawscope joins forces with Kodak-Atlanta for a dynamic program that begins with a conversation on the past, present, and future of celluloid, followed by a hands-on workshop. After the discussion, registered participants will collaborate in small groups to shoot on 16mm film stock, gaining firsthand experience with the medium. The workshop will conclude with a screening of the footage, showcasing the results of your celluloid experiments. Designed for filmmakers and film lovers alike, this beginner-friendly session offers a rare chance to learn, create, and play with the magic of 16mm. PRE REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Looking Back, Moving Forward – Katrina Shorts Talkback
10/26 Sunday ·
In commemoration of Hurricane Katrina and the communities still working to rebuild 20 years later, we offer a block of short films and a post-screening panel discussion to explore New Orleans then and collectively imagine a way forward for our beloved home. OPEN TO TICKET-HOLDERS AND PASSHOLDERS ONLY.
Louisiana Public Broadcasting – Roundtable
10/24 Friday · 2:00pm
Jason Viso, Director of Programming at Louisiana Public Broadcasting, joins us for a conversation about opportunities in public media and how Louisiana-made nonfiction films can find a home on LPB’s upcoming programming slate.
Made in Louisiana – Town Hall Discussion
10/26 Sunday · 1:00pm
In this town hall–style event, we bring together industry representatives from across Louisiana for an in-depth conversation about the current state of the film industry in our region. Panelists will share insights into Louisiana’s evolving production landscape, from opportunities and challenges facing local filmmakers to the resources available for getting projects off the ground. Independent filmmakers will gain practical guidance on navigating everything from funding and crew to distribution and industry connections, while also hearing perspectives on how Louisiana continues to position itself as a vital production hub for film and storytelling.
Meet the Programmers, presented by FilmPrize
10/25 Saturday · 12:30pm
“Ever wonder how films make it into festivals? In this session, programmers from a range of film festivals pull back the curtain on their selection process, sharing insights into what they look for, how they approach curation, and the challenges and joys of programming. They’ll also speak candidly about their personal tastes and curatorial values, and how those perspectives influence decision-making across different festivals. Attendees will come away with a deeper understanding of how lineups are built and have the chance to ask questions directly—an invaluable opportunity for filmmakers looking to better navigate the submissions process and connect with festivals.
NBCUniversal Presents: Reclaiming the Black Cowboy Narrative
10/25 Saturday ·
Go behind the scenes on Peacock’s upcoming docuseries “High Horse” with NBCU executives and unscripted producers from Monkeypaw Productions to discuss the nuances of the creative process, the cultural significance of reclaiming the often-overlooked Black Cowboy narrative, and the involvement of NBCU’s Unscripted Producers Initiative. Open only to alums of Emerging Voices Directors Lab, Southern Producers Lab, and South Pitch.
NOFS Alumni Works-in-Progress Series: Table Read presented by Actors Apothecary
10/27 Monday · 1:30pm
Join us at the Actor’s Apothecary for a live table read featuring New Orleans actors reading a new script, currently in development from an alum of the New Orleans Film Society’s filmmaker development programs. Space is limited so plan to arrive early.
In Conversation with Will Greenfield
10/27 Monday · 11:00am
Join us for an insightful discussion with Will Greenfield, a leading executive producer whose work has shaped some of today’s most talked-about projects in film and television. Greenfield will share his perspective on navigating the industry, building successful collaborations, and championing bold storytelling, with a focus on his producing work on HBO’s Euphoria and the major motion picture Sinners. This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the producing side of the entertainment industry—where creative vision meets strategy, leadership, and execution.
Realities of Reality Television
10/25 Saturday ·
Join previous cast members from Survivor for a discussion about the realities behind reality television. This panel explores the personal and emotional toll that life on—and after—the show can take, from public scrutiny to the pressures of competition. Panelists will share their firsthand experiences navigating fame, relationships, and mental health in the reality TV spotlight, offering audiences a rare look at the human side of the genre.
Reel Connections: Industry Speed Dating, presented by Actor’s Apothecary
10/26 Sunday · 3:00pm
For most people, networking is a necessary evil in our industry- but it can be incredibly stressful. How do I start talking to people? When do I bring up what I do? How do I get their contact info? If you are tired of the same ol’ same ol’, join The Actor’s Apothecary for “Reel Connections”! Writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, actors, and more will have the opportunity to sit down, pair up, and make quick connections in a fast-paced, fun format. Every few minutes you’ll meet a new collaborator. Think of it as speed dating, but for your next great project!
Roux & Gravy: Nuanced Storytelling through a Southern Gaze, presented by Andscape
10/24 Friday · 12:00pm
This panel delves into the diverse tang and twang of Southern storytelling, moving beyond clichés to reveal narratives that reflect the region’s depth, complexity, and contradictions. Featuring Southern-born filmmakers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, the conversation highlights how lived experience shapes creative perspective and informs narrative approach. Together, they’ll explore how stories rooted in the South can both honor local lore and challenge popular imaginations, offering audiences a more nuanced view through an authentically Southern gaze.
Slips, Trips and Falls: Film Stuntz for Kids
10/26 Sunday ·
Bring your kids to this fun, interactive workshop with experienced stuntmen Mike Yahn and Connor Turley. Mike and Connor will share stories from their work performing stunts on major Hollywood films (Sinners, Descendants: The Rise of Red, Bottoms) —everything from slips and trips to daring falls—while giving a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of stunt work. Under their guidance, kids will have the opportunity to safely perform some of these exciting stunts. Registration required. Open to ages 9 – 12. Parents must accompany children at all times.
Fireside Chat with Ben McKenzie
10/25 Saturday · 3:45pm
Come hear from actor and filmmaker Ben McKenzie (The O.C., Everyone Is Lying [2025]) as he reflects on his career—from early breakout roles to his current work behind the camera—in a fireside chat moderated by Doug Spearman (Cradle 2 the Grave, Noah’s Arc). McKenzie “spills the tea” on personal stories, lessons learned, the evolving landscape of film and television, and the making of his new film about cryptocurrency.
Fireside Chat with Elegance Bratton, presented by Gilead
10/24 Friday · 5:15pm
In this special conversation, acclaimed artists Doug Spearman (Cradle 2 the Grave, Noah’s Arc) and Elegance Bratton (Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, The Inspection) come together to reflect on the past, present, and future of Black queer cinema. With wit, candor, and vision, they’ll share stories from their groundbreaking careers and discuss the ongoing work of shaping authentic Black male voices in queer narratives on screen.
Fireside Chat with James Michalopoulos
10/25 Saturday · 1:15pm
Join us for an intimate conversation with James Michalopoulos, the celebrated New Orleans painter and sculptor whose bold, vibrant work has become synonymous with the city’s spirit. Michalopoulos “spills the tea” on his life, his creative journey, and the stories behind some of the most iconic images of New Orleans, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the city’s most influential contemporary artists.
Fireside Chat with Composer Dominic Lewis, presented by BMI
10/26 Sunday · 1:00pm
Join us for an exclusive one-on-one conversation between BMI’s Tracey McKnight and composer Dominic Lewis, whose bold and versatile work has made him one of the most in-demand voices in film and television scoring today. From blockbuster hits like The Fall Guy and Bullet Train, to acclaimed series such as The Man in the High Castle and My Adventures with Superman, Lewis’ music brings unforgettable energy and emotional depth to the screen. In this wide-ranging discussion, he’ll share insights into his creative process, collaborations with legendary filmmakers and composers, and the journey from his classical training at the Royal Academy of Music to Hollywood success.
The Art of Sinners
10/24 Friday · 3:45pm
Moderated by costume buyer Pamela Wood, this panel shines a spotlight on the artisans whose creativity shaped the look and feel of Sinners. From the intricate work of the art department to the storytelling power of props and costumes, this Louisiana-made summer box office hit was built by talented craftspeople of color working behind the scenes. Join us for a conversation that celebrates their artistry, collaboration, and the essential role these departments play in bringing cinematic worlds to life.
The Art of the Pitch, presented by Seed&Spark
10/25 Saturday · 5:30pm
Knowing how to convey the specifics about your project in a dynamic, succinct way can land you not only investors, but collaborators, audience members, and more. Skills learned: how to prepare for a pitch meeting, how to adapt your pitch to different audiences, and how to follow up, setting your work up for success.
The Patel Motel Story: Screening + Conversation, presented by Ayesha and Aaron Motwani
10/26 Sunday · 4:30pm
The Patel Motel Story uncovers how South Asian immigrants, led by the journey of one undocumented man from Gujarat, built a thriving hotel empire—transforming American hospitality through resilience, identity, and belonging. Following the screening, join the filmmakers and special guests for a panel discussion exploring the creative process, the historical and cultural significance of the Patel motel phenomenon, and the broader impact of immigrant entrepreneurship in the United States. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the film and engage directly with the stories and people behind it.
Writing the Self: Artist Development for Storytellers
10/24 Friday · 3:45pm
“Writing the Self” integrates self-inquiry into creative practice, guiding participants to uncover the personal themes, histories, and values that define their unique voice. Rather than only learning how to shape a story, artists learn how to source it, building a foundation that makes every subsequent craft decision intentional, authentic, and resonant. Through guided reflection, interactive exercises, and open discussion, participants explore their personal lineage and lived experiences to discover the obsessions and curiosities that animate their work.
HOW TO ATTEND NOFF 2025
Festival-goers can purchase an All Access Pass, good for all in-person and NOFF Virtual Cinema screenings, parties and events; or purchase individual tickets for each screening. All Access Passes are now available for purchase, with Individual tickets on sale to NOFS members on September 25 (12 PM CST) and general public on sale October 2 (12 PM CST) at neworleansfilmsociety.org.
The in-person screening schedule will be announced on October 6 at 12 PM CST, and screenings will take place at The Broad Theater, Contemporary Art Center (CAC), The Prytania Theatre, The Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans Jazz Museum and Mahalia Jackson Theater between October 23 – 27.
This year’s festival includes the return of a Main Festival Headquarters at the CAC, which will be open to the public. This festival hub will include the main NOFF box office, the CAC Warehouse Theater, the CAC Blackbox Theater, the new Lumen Productions Podcast Studio, a merchandise store, special events and activations, and more.
NOFF Virtual Cinema will run from October 23 – November 2, offering 115+ films from the festival lineup! Film lovers can buy a Virtual Pass to watch all films in the lineup throughout the festival; a Six Film Pass to watch any six films virtually or in-person or buy individual tickets for each virtual screening. Students and teachers can purchase a discounted pass for access to all virtual and in-person screenings.
New Orleans Film Society members receive $50 off of All Access passes, $3 off of in-person screening tickets, and $2 off of NOFF Virtual Cinema tickets. Become a member today and save with these great benefits! Sign up for membership here.
All festival transactions will be contactless; cash or check payments will not be accepted–– acceptable forms of payment include credit and debit cards, and Apple and Google Pay. Click here for more details.
SUPPORT FOR THE 36th NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL COMES FROM
Special thanks to NOFF’s Presenting sponsor, Andscape. Marquee sponsors include the Contemporary Arts Center, Time-Picayune|Nola.com, BrightFrame Studios and Element. Producing sponsors include Gilead, Panavision, and The Helis Foundation. Premiere sponsors include NBCU, CIVIC Theatre, MBS, Keslow Camera, LMP Productions, New Orleans Jazz Museum, The Chloe, and The Toulouse Theatre.. Feature sponsors include Buffalo Trace Distillery, Dan Lucas Memorial Fund, Liberty Bank, MUBI, Positive Vibrations, Seed&Spark, and Bergeron Automotive. Supporting sponsors include BMI, UPM, Historic New Orleans Collection, Leuchtturm, Actor’s Apothecary, Kodak, . Grantors include Film New Orleans, Arts New Orleans, Greater New Orleans Foundation’ LGBTQ Fund, New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation, and JustFilms (Ford Foundation). Generous contributors include Reel South, Film Prize, Hampton Inn & Suites of New Orleans, Holiday Inn Express- St. Charles, The Lafayette New Orleans by Kasa, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Mockly, Crescent Canna, Fluere, Shake Shack. Media partners include The New Orleans Advocate – Times-Picayune, 4WWL, Antigravity Magazine, New Orleans Magazine, WWNO,and WGSO.
The New Orleans Film Society and the 36th New Orleans Film Festival is supported by grants from the Film New Orleans; Arts New Orleans; New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Foundation (NOTCF); the Ford Foundation; the Greater New Orleans Foundation LGBTQ Fund.
ABOUT THE NEW ORLEANS FILM SOCIETY
The New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, nurturing, and amplifying the diverse voices of filmmakers. We aim to facilitate conversations through film and film-related programming that inspire, educate, challenge, and entertain our audiences. Founded in 1989, NOFS produces the Oscar®-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival annually and invests year-round in building a vibrant film culture in the South to share transformative cinematic experiences with audiences, and connect dynamic filmmakers to career-advancing resources. Year-round programming includes free and low-cost screenings for members and the broader community of cinephiles in New Orleans, a 20-year running French Film Festival featuring contemporary and classic French cinema, and filmmaker professional development programs created to nurture diverse voices in filmmaking in the American South. NOFS is a 501(c)(3) organization.
ABOUT ANDSCAPE
Andscape is a Black-led media platform dedicated to creating, highlighting, and uplifting the diverse stories of Black identity. Magnified by the power and reach of The Walt Disney Co., the Andscape umbrella includes an editorial division, book publishing arm, film and television division, and music publishing group, each united by the shared mission of illuminating the culture and experience of Blackness. Founded in 2022, Andscape is a reimagination, expansion and diversification of The Undefeated’s former platform. For more information, visit www.andscape.com.