For 37 years, the New Orleans Film Society has promoted, nurtured, and amplified the work of independent filmmakers from across the American South. We believe the world’s most original, authentic, and culturally significant stories come from this region, and we’re committed to helping those voices find the audiences they deserve.
Cinema is one of the world’s great cultural crossroads. A story on screen can illuminate another perspective, introduce you to your favorite artist, and inspire a conversation you’d never imagined having.
That’s why we don’t simply screen films, we launch storytellers and build community through shared experiences.
-
At the 2026 French Film Festival, audiences watched the Louisiana shot film Built on Zydeco, heard from the filmmakers, and danced all night to a live performance from Bruce Sunpie Barnes at the Alliance Francaise.
-
Through our Emerging Voices Directors Lab, we have helped build and sustain the careers of 64 filmmakers of color, including Zandashé Brown, Edward Buckles Jr, Zac Manuel, and more. Many go on to screen at the New Orleans Film Festival and around the world.
-
South Pitch has given Southern independent filmmakers a place to compete for unrestricted funds for projects in development since 2011. Held annually at the New Orleans Film Festival, South Pitch Narrative and South Pitch Documentary are free and open to the public, and a highlight for festival audiences.
This is only a small example of how we nurture artists and inspire audiences. If you believe stories have the power to connect us, challenge us, and bring communities together, we’d love to meet you!
Come visit us at Culture Collision, follow @neworleansfilmsociety, and help us tell the American South’s next great story. Don’t forget to save-the-date for the 37th New Orleans Film Festival October 22 – 27, 2026!