New Orleans Film Festival

This year, the New Orleans Film Festival will not only offer in-person screenings throughout New Orleans, but online programming will be available for those who want to enjoy the fest without venturing into a theatre, as well. With a commitment to ensuring that at least 50% of films are created by by female and gender non-comforming directors and 45% by directors of color, the New Orleans Film Festival positions itself as a platform for perspectives that are underrepresented in film. This year the festival has surpassed its own mark, with films directed by women and gender non-conforming directors accounting for 64% of the lineup, and films helmed by directors of color making up 73% of the lineup, with 36% of films coming from Black directors. Films made in the American South represent 60% of the screenings, and Louisiana-made films represent 22% of the lineup. Categories of new films to be screened include narrative features, documentary features, Louisiana features, shorts in various categories, and more. Thousands of directors, actors, and industry professionals are expected to attend this year's festivities, with dozens of film selections to screen over the course of eight days. Here are just a few of the many films to look forward to:

100 Years from Mississippi: This documentary feature tells the story of 111-year-old Mamie Kirkland, who was forced to flee her hometown of Ellisville, MS when she was just seven years old due to threats from a lynch mob. Eventually, she confronts her childhood trauma and goes back, over a century later. November 12 at the Broad Theatre at 6 pm, November 14 at the Broad Theatre at 6:30 pm, and streaming online. 

The Laughing Man: This documentary paints a tragicomic portrait of part-time actor Thomas Alan Williamson, who maintains his joy and laughter even in the face of trauma, homelessness, and isolation. The film is produced by Jillian Godshall with an original score composed and performed by Daniel Coolik. November 13 at 5:45 pm at the Broad Theatre, November 14 at 5:45 pm at the Broad Theatre, and streaming online. 

Pure: With her cotillion ball approaching, a young Black teenager grapples with her queer identity and social pressures surrounding the concept of purity. November 9 at 5:30 pm at the Broad Theatre, and streaming online. 

neworleansfilmsociety.org for up-to-date information.