As we close the chapter on an extraordinary year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our Homegrown for the Holidays year-end campaign. Through the generosity of our community, the campaign raised over $6,000 in critical funding to support NOFS filmmaker programs, festivals, and NOFS/365. More than 50 supporters helped us unlock a $2,000 challenge grant from the Dan Lucas Memorial Fund, amplifying the impact of every gift. Your belief in independent film helps carry this momentum into 2026. Flexible, independent funding allows NOFS to stay responsive to the filmmakers who rely on us—not just as an organization, but as a community hub, an education platform, and a launchpad for bold new work.

Local filmmaker and Shawscope founder Casey Shaw shared how that impact is felt firsthand:

“The New Orleans Film Society has given my team and company a platform to reach and educate dozens of filmmakers in our community. At NOFF ’25, we hosted a 16mm film workshop that gave over 30 filmmakers hands-on experience with analog cameras. Since then, one participant has chosen to shoot a project in Nicaragua on 16mm, and several others are continuing to develop their craft in this medium. We’re excited to keep growing alongside the film community here.”

Your support also helped broaden our reach through innovative programs like NOFS/365, which continue to bring new voices into our community. New member Sabrina Ventriss shared what drew her to NOFS:

“I joined NOFS because I love discovering new films and supporting up-and-coming filmmakers who push boundaries. I’m a huge horror fan, and I’m excited to see how new voices are reimagining the genre. Becoming a NOFS member is my commitment to staying curious and open to what independent cinema has to offer.”

This generosity came from supporters in seven states—Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, and Washington—demonstrating the wide reach of our filmmaking community and the national belief in the work happening here in New Orleans.

With Gratitude to Our Donors

We gratefully acknowledge the individuals who made Homegrown for the Holidays possible. Donors who wished to remain unnamed are listed as Anonymous.

Alphabetized by last name:

Brian Bain
Rudy Bazenet
Andrew Bergeron
Tony Bright
Clint Bowie
Carlos Carmona
Miriam Childs
Koren Clark
Chris Colbert
Anna Corin Koehl
Bruno Doria
Lisa Davis
Laurent Dupepe
Janis Eckert
Thomas Ellis
Elizabeth Frazier
Juliana Goode
Nathan Grubbs
Michael Hahn
Sherry Hyman
Laura Ashley
Rachel Hurd
Casey Lipscomb
Dodd Loomis
Valerie Lamb
Dan Lucas Memorial Fund
Greg Lucas
Todd Lewis
Mary Ann Murphy
Logan Morrow
Carole Nathan
Kathryn Nathan
Susan Nugent
Torie Nugent-Peterson
Holly Peterson
Steve Price
Amy Smith
Doug Spearman
Geneva and Laura Shaunette
Laura Cassidy
Sherri McConnell
Jason Waguespack
Ariel Wilson-Harris

Anonymous (12 donors)

Several gifts were also made in honor of people and communities that inspire meaningful storytelling, including Jimmie Lewis, Libby Benton and John Desplas, Oscar Micheaux, Dan Lucas, Victoria Nugent, and the wonderful team at NOFS.

Your generosity directly fuels this vibrant, creative ecosystem—one built on curiosity, collaboration, and bold storytelling. Thank you for being part of it.

Here’s to a daring, innovative, and inspiring 2026.