2017 New Orleans Film Festival Opens with The Florida Project and Closes with Call Me By Your Name. Festival announces spotlight films featuring Darkest Hour, The Upside, Marshall, and Last Flag Flying.
NEW ORLEANS, La. (September 21, 2017)- The New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) announced today the 28th Annual New Orleans Film Festival will open with a screening of The Florida Project, at the Orpheum Theater on Wednesday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. Lauded for its artistry and authenticity, The Florida Project features two-time-Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe, child actress Brooklynn Prince and a debut performance by Bria Vinaite, whom writer-director Sean Baker discovered via Instagram. The Florida Project is the newest movie from writer-director Sean Baker, who staked his claim two years ago with Tangerine, an indie feature shot entirely with his iPhone camera. The Florida Project will be released by A24, distributor of Moonlight.
Following the screening and opening night Second Line, a New Orleans Film Festival tradition, the opening night party will be held at Four Winds’ rooftop ballroom, which is open to All Access Pass-holders only and features spectacular views of the city, complimentary food and drink, and a special performance in the pool, guaranteed to make a splash. Opening Night is sponsored by Second Line Stages and Tectus Security Services.
“The New Orleans Film Festival is committed to providing a platform to elevate artists’ voices. We are proud to open the 28th iteration of the New Orleans Film Festival with The Florida Project and are excited to showcase this amazing film to our festival attendees.”
-Fallon Young, Executive Director of the New Orleans Film Society
The festival also announced the official closing night film, Call Me By Your Name– featuring Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet and Michael Stuhlbarg– screening at the Ace Hotel New Orleans on Thursday, October 19 at 8:00 p.m. Call Me By Your Name created major buzz when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Director Luca Guadagnino continues his exploration of complicated intimate relationships that he’s addressed in prior critically-acclaimed films like I Am Love and A Bigger Splash. Following the screening, all attendees are are invited to the Closing Night Party at the New Orleans Jazz Market featuring live music for all and complimentary bites and signature cocktails for All-Access Pass-holders; a cash bar will be available for those without an All-Access pass.
Several Spotlight films have also been announced, including Darkest Hour, Last Flag Flying, The Upside, and Marshall. Spotlight films will be screening in theaters across New Orleans throughout the festival, taking place October 11-19.
“These films represent some of the most exciting filmmaking happening today. They are all doubtlessly headed for awards attention, and we’re thrilled to share them with our Festival audience before they’re released to the general public.”
-Clint Bowie, Artistic Director for the New Orleans Film Society
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