New Orleans Film Festival

While so many sources of entertainment have been barred or limited in this year of social distancing, films and television have been a reliable and steady source of escapism, art, and also activism and education. Instead of bingeing Netflix this month, turn to the New Orleans Film Society, who is moving forward with its 31st annual Film Festival through a combination of virtual streaming events and open-air screenings at Lafitte Greenway. This year's slate was curated from 4,655 submissions from 105 countries into a brilliant selection of 165 visionary, thought-provoking films representing a wealth of perspectives, 26% of which are Louisiana-made. This year, 45% of the films presented were made in the American South, 57% were directed by women and gender non-conforming artists, and 58% of the films were helmed by directors of color. 

The festival will also host a series of conferences, industry panels, roundtables, and community engagement events—all presented with safety as a priority and largely virtual. Virtual screening tickets for individual events are $10; $8 for members. Greenway tickets are $15; $10 for members. All Access passes are $160; $130 for members. Virtually Everything Passes are $90; $70 for members; $50 for students and teachers. Virtual Shorts Pass is $55; $45 for members. neworleansfilmsociety.org/festival.