NOFF 2024 In-Person Dates: October 16 – 22, 2024
NOFF 2024 Virtual Cinema Dates: October 16 – 27, 2024
NOFF 2024 Filmmakers Conference Dates: October 17 – 21, 2024
NEW ORLEANS – The 35th Annual, Oscar®-qualifying Annual New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF), recently recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World,” announced today its 2024 Filmmakers Conference schedule, taking place during NOFF on October 17 – 21 (Times-Picayune Conference Hall, 840 St. Charles Ave). The conference hosts a series of panels, workshops and industry networking events designed to ignite change and innovation in the film industry, and serves as a hub for filmmakers, industry leaders and film lovers alike, providing a platform for diverse voices and ideas to flourish. This year’s panels will bridge tradition with modernity and amplify regional and global narratives exploring the art and the craft of cinema. All panels are FREE and OPEN to the public. With more than 250 filmmakers and 12,000 attendees from across the globe expected to converge on New Orleans for NOFF, this year’s event is poised to be a cultural milestone. Visit Lineup + Events | New Orleans Film Society to learn more.
“Holding true to our commitment to champion southern storytellers, this year’s conference series features a stellar cast of thought-leaders sharing their expertise in various fields,” said Zuri Obi, Film + Conference Programmer for NOFF. “We’re excited to explore a wide breadth of topics this year, ranging from AI in storytelling to healing-informed documentary filmmaking and working with analog celluloid. This will be a conference film enthusiasts won’t want to miss.”
Panel Highlights at this year’s Filmmakers Conference include:
- Between Two Worlds: Redefining commercial success for independent filmmakers (Oct. 17)
- Emulsional: Nostalgia on 16mm: A deep dive into analog filmmaking with filmmaker Swetha Regunathan (Oct. 18)
- Indigenous Perspectives Through a Liberatory Lens: Honoring indigenous storytelling (Oct. 18)
- Hidden Alchemy: Navigating career sustainability for women of color in producing roles (Oct. 18)
- Transient Territories: Available through the NOFF Virtual Cinema, curator Rachel Lin Weaver and Cinema Reset artists discuss identity, place, and moving image within the creative practice.
Cinema Reset is the NOFF Innovative Art Exhibition Showcasing Artists diversifying the cinematic landscape of the American South.
The full list of panels for this year’s Filmmakers Conference can be found below, or online. The NOFF Filmmaker Conference panels are free and open to the public. All Access Passholders also have access to panel receptions at the Times Picayune VIP Lounge (840 St. Charles Ave).
Reception Highlights Include:
- Special Reception with Soledad O’Brien: A highlight of the festival will be a special VIP reception with award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, set for Sunday, October 20th. O’Brien, known for her trailblazing work in media and documentary filmmaking, will be hosting a reception titled “The Devil is Busy” at the VIP Lounge. This exclusive event is not to be missed, as O’Brien will discuss her latest projects and the importance of storytelling in media. With a special music performance from local artist Kenny Brown.
- IMAS Southern Filmmaker Meet-Up: Join the International Media Arts Society (IMAS) and Southern filmmakers for an informal meet-up on Friday, October 18 (5 pm) to connect, network, and share experiences. This gathering provides a relaxed space for filmmakers to build community, discuss current projects, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Open to filmmakers and industry professionals. Free entry.
Workshop Highlights Include:
- Visitors can also participate in Cinema Reset Workshop: The Art of Foley on Saturday, October 19, which offers hands-on experience in sound design and cinematic storytelling.
2024 Filmmaker Conference Panels
Between Two Worlds: Redefining Commercial Success for Independent Filmmakers
Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: This panel explores the evolving definition of commercial success in independent filmmaking, offering insights into how filmmakers are redefining traditional success metrics. Through the stories of filmmakers who have charted unique paths to balance authenticity and commercial viability, attendees will learn how to navigate the often complex world of commercial storytelling.
Moderator: Stevee-Rayne Warren
Panelists: Ricardo Betancourt, Nicholas Manuel Pino, Harvey Dixon Jr.
Open to the public with free entrance.
Emulsional: Nostalgia on 16mm
Friday, October 18, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: Directors Swetha Regunathan and Elizabeth M. Webb will lead this panel on the emotional and aesthetic appeal of 16mm film. The session dives into her process of working with this medium, followed by a hands-on workshop where participants will engage with 16mm film stock, exploring its potential for storytelling in the modern cinematic landscape.
Moderator: Lynn Sylvan
Open to the public, free entrance. Workshop included.
Indigenous Perspectives Through a Liberatory Lens
Friday, October 18, 2024 | 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: This panel highlights Indigenous filmmakers who are using film as a tool for reclaiming land, legacy, and liberation. Through the discussion, panelists will share how they approach storytelling from an Indigenous perspective, addressing the challenges and triumphs of making films that are deeply rooted in cultural identity and resistance.
Moderator: Mariah Hernandez-Fitch
Panelists: Federico Cuatlacuatl, Maaliyah Papillion, Virginie Tetoofa
Open to the public, free entrance.
South Pitch Narrative
Friday, October 18, 2024 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
CAC Warehouse Theater
About: Five film teams from the Southern U.S. will pitch their narrative projects to a panel of industry experts and a live audience. One project will receive a $10,000 award. This event showcases fresh Southern storytelling and offers insight into the art of pitching and project development.
Open to the public, free entrance.
Hidden Alchemy: Women of Color Producers Navigating Career Sustainability
Friday, October 18, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: This panel centers on women of color producers and their experiences in the film industry. Discussion topics will include the unique challenges they face, sustainable producing practices, and how they overcome barriers to build lasting careers in both independent and commercial filmmaking spaces. Sponsored by Black Public Media.
Moderator: Angela Lynn Tucker
Panelists: Kiah Clingman, Kayla Andrus, Romola Lucas
Open to the public, free entrance.
Deep Impact: Participant Perspectives on Non-Fiction Filmmaking
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: This panel brings together participants from various documentary films to discuss the impact of non-fiction filmmaking on their lives and communities. The panel will explore the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when capturing personal stories and the long-term effects on documentary subjects.
Moderator: Zuri Obi
Panelists: JJ’88, Andy Sarjahani, Tracii Wesley, Princess Shaw
Open to the public, free entrance.
Triggers, Reframed – Co-presented by Firelight Media’s Beyond Resilience Series
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: This panel addresses the reclamation of intimate and traumatic narratives through a healing-informed lens. Filmmakers and participants will discuss strategies for approaching sensitive topics with care, while also reframing trauma within storytelling in a way that fosters resilience and recovery. Sponsored by Firelight Media.
Moderator: Nailah Jefferson
Panelists: Contessa Gayles, Darci Fulcher, æryka jourdaine hollis o’neil
Open to the public, free entrance.
South Pitch Documentary
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
CAC Warehouse Theater
About: Five Southern documentary filmmakers will present their in-progress documentary features to a panel of industry experts for a chance to win a $10,000 award. This event offers insight into the documentary filmmaking process, from concept to execution.
Open to the public, free entrance.
Activating Your Audience: Crafting Innovative Distribution and Impact Strategies
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: This interactive workshop will guide filmmakers in crafting unique distribution strategies that engage their target audience and maximize their film’s impact. Participants will learn how to stand out in a crowded market, define success, and implement hybrid distribution models to ensure their films reach the right audiences.
Moderators: Pulkit Datta, Sam Eilertsen
Open to the public, free entrance.
Short Films, Big Impact: How to Make a Microdoc
Saturday, October 19, 2024 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: This workshop will explore the process behind creating 3-minute microdocs designed to uplift local advocacy and community-building efforts. Attendees will learn about the challenges and opportunities of crafting short-form documentaries through real-life case studies and hands-on exercises.
Moderator: Anuradha Rana
Panelists: Mia Barnett, Aisha Sultan, Alaa Esmail, Kitty Hu
Open to the public, registration required.
Through Glass Ceilings: DPs Transcending Invisible Barriers
Sunday, October 20, 2024 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: This panel features cinematographers who have successfully navigated both the commercial and independent film industries despite facing barriers such as gender and racial inequities. Their stories will inspire aspiring directors of photography and shed light on how they’re breaking through glass ceilings to create impactful work.
Moderator: Zuri Obi
Panelists: Zac Manuel, Bron Moyi, A’mya McKnight
Open to the public, free entrance.
If I Only Had A Heart: Creative Authorship & AI
Sunday, October 20, 2024 | 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: As AI continues to make waves in the creative industries, this panel delves into the ethical and artistic implications of using AI in storytelling. Filmmakers and technologists will discuss how AI is reshaping the role of human creativity and what this means for the future of filmmaking.
Moderator: Georgiana Wright
Panelists: Jason Kaminsky, Shana Swanson, C. Craig Patterson
Open to the public, free entrance.
How the Film Music Ecosystem Operates
Monday, October 21, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery
About: Music is an integral part of cinematic storytelling, and this panel will provide filmmakers with insights into how to work with musicians, composers, and music supervisors to enhance their films. Attendees will learn about the film music ecosystem and how to collaborate effectively with industry professionals.
Moderator: Jonathan McHugh
Panelists: Pell Pellerin, Jay Weigel, Sarah Bromberg, Julian Nunez
Open to the public, free entrance.
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Tickets and Access
All above panels listed are FREE and OPEN to the public. Tickets for the festival are available now for New Orleans Film Society members. General public tickets will go on sale starting October 2, 2024. More information about the festival lineup, panel discussions, and special events can be found at www.neworleansfilmsociety.org.
About the New Orleans Film Festival
The New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) is produced by the New Orleans Film Society and is one of the few Oscar®-qualifying festivals in all three Academy-accredited categories. Celebrating its 35th year, NOFF continues to highlight emerging and established filmmakers, with a focus on diverse, underrepresented voices in the filmmaking community.
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