The 27th New Orleans French Film Festival is set to dazzle audiences once again with a captivating lineup of contemporary and classic francophone cinema. Renowned as one of the longest-running foreign language festivals in the country, this year’s event promises to showcase excellence in filmmaking while celebrating the rich cultural diversity of French-speaking communities worldwide.
Scheduled to run in-person from February 22 to 28, the festival will also offer virtual screenings from February 22 to March 3, allowing film enthusiasts can enjoy the cinematic experience from the comfort of their homes.
Dedicated to broadening the scope of French cinema, the festival will present a curated selection of 14 feature films and 11 short films. Each film, presented in French with English subtitles, offers a unique perspective on the francophone world, with productions hailing from Belgium, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, South Africa, Switzerland, and the USA.
Among the highlights of this year’s festival are special screenings of two newly restored films, both entirely in Cajun French, by esteemed Louisiana filmmaker Glen Pitre. These screenings offer audiences a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural heritage of Louisiana’s French-speaking communities.
Additionally, the festival will shine a spotlight on the work of Johanna Makabi, a talented filmmaker of Senegalese and Congolese heritage. Makabi, who serves as an artist-in-residence at Villa Albertine in Louisiana, will be featured in a special showcase, offering audiences a glimpse into her unique artistic vision and cultural influences.
The artist-in-residence program at Villa Albertine was established by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and is supported by the French Ministry of Culture, underscoring the festival’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and collaboration across borders.
For more information about the 27th New Orleans French Film Festival, including film schedules and ticketing details, visit neworleansfilmsociety.org.
