NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL

Film submissions are NOW OPEN for the 36th New Orleans Film Festival (October 23-28th, 2025). The regular deadline is March 7, 2025. Read more about submissions here.

Submit your film now

The New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF), organized by the New Orleans Film Society, is a renowned celebration of independent filmmaking that has been championing diverse voices and groundbreaking stories for over 36 years. As an Academy Award®-qualifying festival in the categories of Documentary Short, Narrative Short, and Animated Short, NOFF serves as a vital platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work to global audiences.

Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World,” the festival highlights a rich blend of local, national, and international talent, fostering connections within the film industry while embracing New Orleans’ unique cultural vibrancy. During the New Orleans Film Festival, New Orleans shines even brighter as an epicenter of culture and creativity, with 250+ filmmakers from every corner of the world in attendance at 150+ films. We see our greatest impact in the exchange of ideas that occurs when over 12,000 people gather in person over the course of six days to champion film in New Orleans and engage with visionary films, directors, and other film lovers.

“Both filmmaker-focused and audience friendly, NOFF aims to be an incubator for future projects and collaborations. It manages a mentorship program for filmmakers of color that pairs emerging talents with established ones and has been supported by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Golden Globe Foundation, HBO, and the National Endowment for the Arts.” Read more here.

“The coolest of cool festivals. I’m always in awe of the curation and quality of films here. Some words I’d use to describe them: poetry, transcendent, heartfelt, impactful, and evocative. The magical spirit of New Orleans permeates the festival in every way. The festival has phenomenal parties, sumptuous cuisine, beautiful event spaces, and the best pitch showcases.” —Katherine Propper. Read more here.

Diversity + Discovery:

Paste Magazine praised the festival for offering “a platform to voices that still fight to be heard.” We honor three vital commitments to filmmakers and to audiences hungry for fresh work with perspectives less often represented on the silver screen:

  • 90% of the films in the festival will come from submissions, ensuring New Orleans Film Festival is a place of discovery where all voices have an opportunity to be heard
  • 50% or more of the films will be helmed by women and gender non-conforming filmmakers
  • 50% or more will be helmed by filmmakers of color

Community + Connectivity:

New Orleans’ unique sense of place informs the festival experience– filmmakers, industry players, and cinephiles experience films and events at pop-up and passionately preserved historic venues, and rub elbows in Hollywood South amidst the strong undercurrent of revelry native to the Crescent City. From the Second Line parade following the opening night film to late-night cocktails, live music in historic mansions, and cinematic Mississippi River views, we hope all leave inspired, with an enduring story to tell and deeper connections to each other and to the art of film.

We believe inspiration isn’t exclusive; New Orleans Film Society works with 50+ partnering non-profit organizations to distribute free tickets and promote free screenings to ensure more New Orleanians of all ages access transformative films during the festival.

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NOFF RETURNS OCTOBER 23rd, 2025!

October 23-28th, 2025 in person  |  October 23-November 2nd, 2025 virtually

  • Film Screenings & Talkbacks: Engage with filmmakers during post-screening Q&A sessions.
  • Filmmakers Conference: Network and discover new talent at these free public events (unless noted otherwise).
  • South Pitch: A recognized NOFS development program that connects emerging filmmakers from the American South with industry leaders to pitch and develop their projects.
  • Virtual Cinema: Enjoy most of the lineup globally via NOFF Virtual Cinema. Note that geo-restrictions and availability vary by film.
  • Parties & Events: Immerse yourself in NOFF’s social scene with themed parties, mixers, and special gatherings at venues across the city.

Passes:

  • Passes provide access to a variety of festival events and screenings.
  • Choose between the All Access Pass, Six Film Pass, Student + Teacher Pass, and Virtual Pass.
  • All Access Passholders enjoy priority entry and do not need to book individual tickets. Simply pick up your physical pass before attending events and scan the QR code for entry.
  • For Six Film Passholders and Student + Teacher Passholders, use the QR code from your NOFF Eventive account on your device or a screenshot for entry.

Individual tickets:

Ticket Prices
In Person:  $13 Members |  $16 General Public
Virtual Cinema: $8 Members |  $11 General Public

Membership Benefits:

Unlock savings on Passes and tickets with membership:

  • Director’s Circle/Gold: 4 complimentary All Access Passes
  • Executive Producer’s Circle: 3 complimentary All Access Passes
  • Producer’s Circle: 2 complimentary All Access Passes
  • Scene Stealer: 2 complimentary Six-Film Passes
  • Moviegoer/Take Two: Enjoy great discounts on tickets, passes, merch + more!

JOIN TODAY

2024 Festival Map:

 

Explore the #NOFF2024 Catalog

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

The New Orleans Film Festival is working toward equitable access to our programming. Available accessibility services, by event, will be listed in the online Film Guide.

To request accommodation for specific Festival events, please complete this form. For more information about particular programs, or questions about services not described, please email info@neworleansfilmsociety.org.

CAPTIONING & AMPLIFICATION

NOFF partners with filmmakers to enable closed captioning for their programs whenever possible using personal caption devices, available by request (with a photo ID) at our venues. Films with closed captions will be noted in the online Film Guide.

Assistive Listening Devices, which amplify program sound through headphones or hearing aids, are available by request (with a photo ID) at our venues.

Some programs are equipped with Descriptive Audio Tracks that provide narration through Assistive Listening Devices.

PRINT & LANGUAGE OPTIONS

All foreign-language films are screened with English subtitles. Films with subtitles will be noted in the online Film Guide.

NOFF can arrange American Sign Language interpreters by request at no cost to you. Two weeks’ notice is strongly preferred.

Large-print Program Guides are available by request at no cost to you at each of the Festival venues.

PHYSICAL ACCOMMODATIONS

All Festival venues are accessible to attendees using mobility devices, and accessible (ADA) seating is available for all Festival events by request.

Each screening venue has accessible restrooms and Festival attendees are invited to use the restroom that best suits their needs. In some venues, private restrooms are available.

Working service animals, such as guide dogs, are welcome to accompany Festival attendees. We are unable to accommodate pets or emotional support animals.

QUESTIONS & REQUESTS

To request accommodation for specific Festival events, including accessible seating or other accommodations including discounted companion tickets, please complete this form.

For more information about particular programs, or questions about services not described, please email info@neworleansfilmsociety.org.

HOW TO FEST (2024)

The 35th Annual New Orleans Film Festival takes place from October 16-27, 2024, across various venues in New Orleans. To attend:

  1. Purchase Passes or Tickets: Passes for the festival, including All Access, Six Film, and Student + Teacher options, are available for purchase now on our website. Tickets for individual films will be available for sale closer to the festival date. You can buy both passes and tickets online or in person at one of our venues.
  2. Check the Schedule: Visit our website to view the festival schedule and find out where and when events are happening.
  3. Attend the Festival: Head to the listed venues in New Orleans on the specified dates. Note that some films and events may have age restrictions; check the Film Guide for details.
  4. Additional Options: If you can’t make it in person, many films will be available through NOFF Virtual Cinema globally, though some screenings might be geo-restricted.
  5. Free events: There will also be free events and panel discussions focused on filmmakers and those interested in learning about the craft at the Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery.

 

Passes vs. Tickets:

  • Passes: Passes provide access to a variety of festival events and screenings. All passes are available NOW. All Access Passes, Six Film Passes, Student + Teacher Passes, and Virtual Passes are available for purchase. All Access Passholders enjoy priority entry and do not need to book individual tickets. Simply pick up your physical pass before attending events and scan the QR code for entry. For Six Film Passholders and Student + Teacher Passholders, use the QR code from your NOFF Eventive account on your device or a screenshot for entry.

BUY YOUR PASS TODAY

  • Tickets: Tickets are for single screenings and events. Tickets will be available for purchase NOW. Physical tickets are not provided this year; please show your ticket on your mobile device, via screenshot, or as a printed copy for scanning at entry.

PURCHASE NOW

Venue Box Offices open one hour prior to the day’s first screening and close one hour after the last screening begins. Cash and checks will not be accepted. Please be prepared to pay with a debit or credit card, or Apple/Google Pay via smartphone. Customer Service is available 11am-7pm during NOFF (Oct 16-22). 

The 35th Annual New Orleans Film Festival will be held at a variety of exciting venues across New Orleans. This year, we’re thrilled to showcase films and host events at:

  • The NOFF Hub at the Contemporary Arts Center: Accessible through the back entrance on St. Joseph Street, the NOFF Hub will feature film screenings at The Black Box and The Warehouse Theaters, Cinema Reset, free events, panel discussions, and special programming for filmmakers.
  • The Orpheum Theater: At 129 Roosevelt Way, this grand venue will host the festival’s Opening Night film A King Like Me as well as Blue – The Life And Art Of George Rodrigue
  • Prytania Theatres at Canal Place: Found at 5339 Prytania Street, this historic theater is renowned for its classic cinema experience.
  • The Broad Theater: A beloved local cinema at 636 N Broad Street, known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent viewing experience.
  • The Times-Picayune Avenue Gallery: This venue will be the site of our Filmmaker Conference and VIP Lounge, providing a space for industry discussions and networking. Get your All Access Pass to be part of the VIP Lounge happenings, as well as for access to the NOFF2024 parties throughout the city.
  • Omni Royal Hotel: Our Opening Night Party venue, located at(621 St. Louis St., New Orleans). 
  • Maison Maison: Our Friday Night party, located at 1223 Baronne St, New Orleans, conveniently situated near the Central Business District. 
  • Civic Theater: Located at 510 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, just a short walk from the French Quarter. Will host our Saturday Night Party. 
  • Toulouse Theater: On Sunday night, our party will be hosted here at 615 Toulouse St, New Orleans, nestled in the French Quarter.

Festival Map:

NOFF is open to all guests aged 18 and older due to some adult content. Films that are suitable for all ages will be marked with a “All Ages” tag in our online Film Guide. Please check the guide for detailed information on each film’s content. Louisiana high school students are also invited to register for a free High School Pass in the NOFF Virtual Cinema. 

If you are not going to use your pass or ticket, and have paid for it, it can be transferred through your account to a friend using their email address by logging into your account and selecting “My Passes” or “My Tickets” then Manage. Transfer the pass by entering the email address of the person you are giving the pass. 

If you have purchased tickets or passes for events  you can not attend, please consider your purchase as a donation to the New Orleans Film Society.

Passes and tickets are otherwise non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a screening be canceled by NOFF, your ticket will be transferred to view the film online at your leisure. If the film isn’t screening in the Virtual Cinema, we will allow you to select another in-person screening to attend.

Instructions for guests to transfer a pass: 

Step 1 – Log in to nofs.eventive.org

Step 2 – Select My passes from the top right menu. 

Step 3: Click the gear to the right of SHOW BARCODE.

Step 4: Select Transfer Pass.

Step 5: Enter the email of the person receiving the pass.

At this time, the recipient will get an email prompting them to accept the pass.

Step 1: Click the link in the email. 

Step 2: Accept the pass transfer.

Follow the same instructions using “My Tickets” for individual screening tickets.

Yes. All customer payment information is submitted securely to our payment processor, Stripe, using the most stringent, PCI Level 1 compliant security protocols.  Eventive stores customer credit card details securely, and the festival staff does not have access to your credit card information. You may request that your payment information be unlinked from your account by choosing the “account settings” link at the upper right while logged in and viewing the New Orleans Film Society organization page.

If advance tickets to a screening are unavailable, a Rush Line will form in a designated location at the venue half an hour before the scheduled screening. Any available seats will be released on a first-come, first-served basis to those in line. All Access Passholders receive priority entry before the Rush Line. 

If you need assistance before the festival we are available via phone at 504-309-6633, and email at info@neworleansfilmsociety.org. You can also use the Contact Us Chatbox on our website (bottom right corner).

During NOFF (October 16-22) Customer Service will be available daily from 11am-7pm.

If you need help after these hours, please email info@neworleansfilmsociety.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Members can email members@neworleansfilmsociety.org.

HOW TO FEST (VIRTUALLY)

You can enjoy NOFF virtually through our NOFF Virtual Cinema. Here’s how to access it:

  • Virtual Passes: Available for purchase now!

BUY YOUR VIRTUAL PASS

  • Other Passes: The All Access Pass, Six Film Pass, and Student + Teacher Pass also include access to the NOFF Virtual Cinema.
  • Individual Tickets: Available for purchase now!

BUY YOUR VIRTUAL TICKETS

 

 

 

Yes!

You can connect your computer to your TV or another external monitor via a HDMI cable.

If you have an Apple TV, Fire TV or Roku device, you can use the dedicated Eventive app for these platforms after booking your ticket online.

If you have Chromecast, you can cast the film from Chrome on your computer or Android phone. If Chromecasting, you must have a 3rd generation or later Chromecast stick.

Please Note: Due to content protection restrictions, the Screen Mirroring feature on Smart TVs and other devices cannot be used. Many browsers built into Smart TVs and other devices will NOT allow protected content to play.

 

Content can be watched on PCs running Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, and Intel-based Macs running macOS 10.12+. You can also watch films on Android tablets and phones using Chrome, and on iPhones and iPads using Safari.

Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported.

To watch on an iPhone or iPad, use Safari on iOS 11.2 or later.

Important note: Due to content protection restrictions, the Screen Mirroring feature cannot be used. Additionally, HDMI or other video dongles cannot be connected to your device. Instead, use AirPlay or our dedicated TV app to watch on your TV.

To watch using an Android device, use Chrome on Android 6.0 or later. 

To Chromecast from a mobile Android device:

Make sure your mobile phone or tablet is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device. Tap the “Cast” icon in the lower right hand corner of the player. If no icon appears, this means casting is not supported on your device.

To Chromecast from computer:

Open the content in the Google Chrome browser. Click the “Cast” icon in the lower right hand corner of the player. If no icon appears, this means casting is not supported on your device.

To check the compatibility of your device, please click here.

Please click here for troubleshooting more detailed tech questions. 

To purchase and or use tickets and/or passes, you will be required to create an account in Eventive. You will need to log in to this account to access your tickets and passes, so hold on to this information!

Tickets will be sent to the email address attached to your account.

When you purchase a ticket you will also receive a confirmation email that includes information about when your selected program will be available for viewing and a link to open it up.

You will need to be logged into your Eventive account to watch the film. Navigate to the virtual film page and click the “Watch Now” button. 

If you are not logged in to your Eventive account, the button will read “Unlock Now”. Simply log-in using the pop-out or the button in the top right corner of the page and proceed to Menu. 

UNLOCK WINDOW : 10 days 

WATCH WINDOW: 48 hours

When you unlock a virtual screening, you will have the “unlock window” duration to begin watching. Once they start watching (i.e., click “Play”), you will have the “watch window” duration to play the content. 

All available 2024 NOFF feature length films and shorts programs will be available to watch anytime from October 16, 2024, at 7:30pm until the festival closes at 11:59 PM on October 27, 2024, unless specifically restricted per film. 

In select cases, NOFS distributes discount codes through community partners to provide access to the festival.

If you have a code, select the film you want to watch and click “Unlock Now”. It will say Unlock ”Film Title”. Below that it will say “Have a Discount Code.” Click that and input your discount code. The cost will change according to the code. Proceed to sign in to Eventive or create an account, if you do not already have one, and then enjoy the film.

The individual virtual film pages will indicated if closed captions are available.

PASS – Think of it as a virtual badge. You will use it to unlock virtual programs before and during the festival.  

GEO-BLOCK – On rare occasions, the festival will be asked to limit the audience of a given program to a specific geographic area. Should a program be geo-blocked, it will be noted in the home page for the presentation and will also be found on the watch page of the virtual festival in the Geo-Blocked section.

AVAILABILITY WINDOW – This is the time frame during which a program is available.

UNLOCK WINDOW – This is the time frame one has after unlocking a program to begin watching it.

WATCH WINDOW – Once a program is unlocked, the watch window is the amount of time one has to view the program.

All scheduled program times are listed in Central Standard Time.

Live Chat Support from Eventive and additional technical troubleshooting resources are available through Eventive by clicking “Need Help?” in the top right corner of your browser window. Or by visiting https://watch.eventive.org/help. This feature is monitored by Eventive technicians and available 9am-11:59pm CST 7 days a week, with limited support outside these hours as well. If you need to reach a member of the NOFF team, please see Customer Service Availability. 

HOW DO I ENABLE ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS?
  1. Hover the cursor over the video you are currently watching to make the video controls visible.
  2. On the bottom right, click on the sprocket icon.
  3. Click on the subtitles button and select English to enable on-screen captions. Click on Audio Track and select Audio Description to enable Audio Descriptions.

Note: If a film is in a language other than English and has subtitled burned into the image, you do not have to enable subtitles or captions. 

We are aiming to have every film supported with captions and encouraging filmmakers to create audio descriptions.

INTERNET SPEEDS

For any device, you will need a robust and reliable internet connection. Check your internet speed by running a speed test. The minimum recommended bandwidth for streaming is 5 Mbps download speed. For 1080p quality we recommend a minimum of 8 Mbps download speed. 

Sustainability at NOFF 2024

We acknowledge that the New Orleans Film Festival is hosted in a complex system of coastal and Southern communities that are at high risk of climate change effects and environmental disturbance. New Orleans Film Society wants to position itself as an agent of change that leads the awareness and educational efforts around climate risks through cinematic storytelling and film exhibition. The New Orleans Film Festival is striving to make all operations and event production more sustainable to support the preservation of this vibrant city. NOFF is the right platform to contribute to the regenerative efforts of local economies and communities and the restoration of our ecosystems. Join us in celebrating great stories while making a positive impact on our planet.

How to fest sustainably:
  • Put your recyclables in our designated recycling bins.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to all festival events. We will have fill stations in all venues.
  • Compost your food waste! Look for the designated composting bins in food spaces.
  • Whenever possible, carpool, take public transportation, bike, or walk.
Contact:

Sustainability Coordinator, Aloe Lee aloe@neworleansfilmsociety.org

Sustainability FAQ

  • Sustainability is a responsible practice centered on meeting the needs of the present without jeopardizing the future generations’ abilities to meet their needs. By creating harmony with social, economic, and environmental factors, sustainability preserves our natural resources, advocates for our ecosystems, and improves the quality of life for all beings.
  • Generally, large gatherings like festivals are pretty harsh on the environment, contributing to a larger carbon footprint through factors like waste, travel, and energy consumption. Because New Orleans is in an area historically devastated by environmental factors, we are prioritizing sustainability to do our part to protect the planet and its inhabitants, which will also ensure the longevity of NOFF.

A carbon footprint measures the amount of greenhouse gases, the most harmful being carbon dioxide, that are emitted by an individual, in this case, by NOFF.

Yes! We are partnered with Richard’s Disposal.

Using event sustainability software, we are tracking energy use, waste (recycling, compost, glass, and landfill), production materials, technology use, travel, and online data from the virtual screenings. At the end of the festival, this information will be compiled for us to reference as we move forward with our sustainability goals.