New Orleans Film Festival

New Orleans, Louisiana
United States

ABOUT THE NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL

The New Orleans Film Society is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to discover, cultivate, and amplify diverse voices of filmmakers who tell the stories of our time. We produce the Oscar®-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival annually and invest 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.

NEW ORLEANS FILM SOCIETY VALUES STATEMENT

• Start with the art and allow artistic vision, equity, and social impact to guide our search for resources.
• Champion filmmakers who have been historically denied access to resources and opportunities within the industry–– including Southern artists, women, people of color, LGBTQIA people, and people with disabilities.
• Seek deep audience engagement.
• Build a working environment that is fair and fulfilling.
• Exhibit dedication and passion and believe that inspired and impactful programs arise from collaboration and mutual respect.

New Orleans shines ever brighter as an epicenter of culture and creativity during the New Orleans Film Festival, with 500+ filmmakers from every corner of the world in attendance at 220+ films. We see our greatest impact in the exchange of ideas that occurs when over 35,000 people gather over the course of 8 days to champion film in New Orleans and engage with visionary films, directors, and other film lovers. NOFF is one of the few film festivals that is Oscar®-qualifying in all three Academy-accredited categories.

Diversity + Discovery:

Paste Magazine praised the festival for offering “a platform to voices that still fight to be heard.” We honor three vital commitments to filmmakers and to audiences hungry for fresh work with perspectives less often represented on the silver screen:

• 90% of the films in the festival will come from submissions, ensuring New Orleans Film Festival is a place of discovery where all voices have an opportunity to be heard
• 50% or more of the films will be helmed by women and gender non-conforming filmmakers
• 55% or more will be helmed by filmmakers of color

DEADLINES & FEES

Opening Submission Date
December 17, 2024

Notification Date
August 15, 2025

Event Date
October 23 - 27, 2025

Visit the New Orleans Film Festival website for more information.