KEY TAKEAWAYS: The 37th New Orleans Film Festival will run Oct. 22-27, featuring 175 films from 38 countries. The festival opens with the world premiere of Victory, a documentary about New Orleans music legend Irma Thomas. Fifty-three films were made in Louisiana, highlighting the state’s gr owing film industry and Southern filmmakers. The festival will offer more than 115 virtual films from Oct. 22 through Nov. 1, along with free and pay-what-you-will programming.   The New Orleans Film Society has announced the first slate of films and events for the 37th New Orleans Film Festival, including an opening-night documentary about New Orleans music legend Irma Thomas. The Oscar-qualifying festival is scheduled for Oct. 22-27 in venues across New Orleans, with a virtual program running through Nov. 1. Organizers said the festival will feature 175 films, including 53 made in Louisiana, selected from nearly 4,000 submissions representing 38 countries. The festival will open Oct. 22 with the world premiere of Victory, director Ben Chace’s documentary following Thomas as she returns to her gospel roots through a recording project. The film explores the 83-year-old singer’s career and legacy and features collaborations with artists including Lauren Daigle, Valerie June, Jorge Ben, Cyril and Ivan Neville, Trombone Shorty and Big Chiefs Shaka Zulu and David Montana. The opening-night screening is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Contemporary Arts Center’s Warehouse Theater, followed by a celebration at Gallier Hall featuring Cha Wa and a special appearance by DJ Jubilee. “This year’s lineup celebrates the full spectrum of cinema, from remarkable Louisiana filmmakers and emerging new Southern talent to some of the year’s most anticipated films featuring internationally acclaimed artists like Dame Helen Mirren and John Malkovitch,” said Dodd Loomis, executive director of the New Orleans Film Society. “But what truly makes this festival special is everything that happens beyond the screen: the workshops, concerts, parties, rooftop receptions, filmmaker QAs, gospel brunches and chance encounters that turn an amazing week of indie films into an unforgettable celebration of creativity, and New Orleans itself.” The competition program includes feature-length and short films spanning documentary, fiction, animation and experimental work. Among the announced selections are the world premiere of The Dew Drop Inn: Resistance and Resilience, about the historic New Orleans music venue and its role in the Chitlin’ Circuit; Loves Company, a dark comedy starring Rachel Dratch and Brian Batt; and the world premiere of Scrim, about a New Orleans rescue dog that became a local symbol. Other selections include Matininó, which previously participated in the festival’s South Pitch program and later premiered at Tribeca, and Some Kind of Refuge, a Sundance-premiered documentary about a community living along the Mississippi River’s batture. The festival is also expanding its industry programming. The free Filmmaker Conference will move entirely into the festival hub at the Contemporary Arts Center, with more than 40 events including workshops, panels, live podcast recordings, lunch-and-learns and fireside chats. A filmmaker lounge for industry guests and All Access Pass holders also will be located at the CAC. Programming will include a Tech x Film Day focused on artificial intelligence, creative technology and cultural innovation, as well as South Pitch events that give Southern filmmakers opportunities to present works in progress to industry professionals. Made in Louisiana Day on Oct. 26 will focus on the state’s film industry through screenings, panels and networking opportunities. The festival’s closing day, Oct. 27, will feature programming for high school and college students focused on careers in Louisiana’s film and entertainment industries. Accessibility also remains a focus. The First Ticket On Us program, supported by The Helis Foundation, will again provide New Orleans residents with a code for one free festival ticket. Organizers said residents redeemed more than 1,000 free tickets through the program last year. A theater at The Broad Theater also will operate as a pay-what-you-will screening room throughout the festival. The festival’s main headquarters will return to the Contemporary Arts Center, with a box office, theaters, a merchandise store, special events and the Sazerac Bar. The CAC also will host the free Filmmaker Conference. All Access Passes are currently on sale. Other pass types, including the new Unlimited Film Package, will go on sale Sept. 3. The Unlimited Film Package will cost $99 for the general public and $85 for New Orleans Film Society members and will provide access to an unlimited number of festival films. Individual tickets will go on sale to New Orleans Film Society members Sept. 21 and to the general public Sept. 24. The in-person screening schedule is scheduled to be released Sept. 17. The festival’s virtual cinema will offer more than 115 films from Oct. 22 through Nov. 1, allowing audiences outside New Orleans to participate. The 2026 festival is presented by Andscape, which became the New Orleans Film Festival’s first multiyear presenting sponsor in 2025. The New Orleans Film Society, a nonprofit founded in 1989, also produces year-round film programs and filmmaker development initiatives in the region. Additional festival venues will include The Broad Theater, Prytania Theatre, The Historic New Orleans Collection and Civic Theatre. For more information about the festival and tickets, visit New Orleans Film Society. ...read more read less