Here we are again! I can’t believe that a whole year has gone by. This takes us to the 30th year of the famous New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) that draws participants from far and wide. I’m happy to report that attendance in 2018 was over 20,000 (including 170 filmmakers). Plus over 200 films were screened according to the festival organizers. Filmmakers and cinema fans enjoy a unique camaraderie at this event. They know that The Big Easy has a well-earned reputation for having fun or, “Let the Good Times Roll.” CLICK HERE to read our 2018 blog on this subject.

THE NEW ORLEANS FILM FESTIVAL 

THE NOFF DATES for this year extend from Wednesday, October 16th to Thursday, October 24th. This event, which is hosted by the New Orleans Film Society, takes place at many theatres in the city. It also presents awards in seven different categories with prizes that include camera packages, software, film stock and cash. 

THE ALL-ACCESS PASS is your best bet for the following (1) tickets to all festival screenings, (2) entry to all parties, receptions and events, and (3) exclusive access to the VIP lounge and special parties/events. 

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS who attend this event include directors, producers, writers and actors. It also attracts film lovers (count me in) who are keen to see certain movies before their general release. In the past, these have included movies such as “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” When I read this my eyes widened because this film is one of my all-time favorites.

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD  

Initially, we weren’t really interested in seeing this film because of the title – which didn’t really say anything UNTIL one saw the movie. But, after reading that this 2012 American drama film directed, co-written and co-scored by Benh Zeitlin had garnered 93 awards and 127 nominations – we quickly changed our thinking. I have since watched it about eight times.

The opening of the film is electrifying and, if you haven’t seen it, make sure you do. The six-year-old star of the film, Quvenzhane Wallis was five when she auditioned for the starring role as “Hushpuppy” (with 4,000 other hopefuls). I watched her in an Oprah interview when she was eight and dutifully revealed this startling fact. She admitted that she was nervous after seeing the script because “I barely knew how to read.”  This brought laughs from everyone: Oprah, the director and the actor (Dwight Henry) who played her father.

Until I did research for this blog I didn’t realize that the movie was shot in Montegut, Louisiana. Where on earth is that? Well, it sits in the bayou (named the fictional “Bathtub” in the film) and is a 90-minute drive southwest from New Orleans.

Three cheers for the youngest actress ever to win an Oscar plus a fantastic movie filmed in the great state of Louisiana! 

THE 14TH ANNUAL CRESCENT CITY BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL

THE DATES for this event are from Friday, October 18th to Sunday, October 20th.  

LAFAYETTE SQUARE PARK is where you’ll find this fun festival. This square is the second-oldest public park in New Orleans (after Jackson Square) – and is located in the Central Business District at 602 Camp Street.

THIS EVENT SHOWCASES your favorite Southern foods as well as music presented on two stages. It also has a huge arts market featuring 22 top crafts vendors (painting, jewelry, photography and textiles) Admission: FREE! C’mon, get off your rocking chair and head out for a great time.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick