NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) announced the 30th Anniversary Gala, an elegant evening dedicated to supporting independent cinema in New Orleans. The Gala will be held at the Farrell Estate, a Mediterranean-style house located down the beautiful and historic St. Charles Avenue. Tickets are available at neworleansfilmsociety.org
Established in 1989, the New Orleans Film Society produces the Oscar-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival every October –providing Louisiana filmmaking talent a prestigious exhibition opportunity– and game-changing professional opportunities to emerging, diverse filmmakers in Louisiana and the South. In 30 years, New Orleans Film Society has presented 4,000 films, 400 free screenings, hosted 3,500 filmmakers, and engaged 200 community partners–making New Orleans a vibrant home and destination for the best independent cinema regionally, nationally, and internationally.
The Farrell Estate, originally the Smith House, was built in 1906 for the president of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange, William Smith, and since then has been restored to its historic grandeur, with an extensive collection of antiques and rare artwork.
This year the gala will honor Susan Brennan, a life-long New Orleanian and the owner and developer of Second Line Stages, the first LEED Gold certified, state of the art, sustainable sound stages in the United States.
KERMIT RUFFINS AND THE BBQ SWINGERS WILL ROCK THE FILM SOCIETY GALA
The Gala will host numerous live performers throughout the evening. Moroccan master guitarist Mahmoud Chouki Band, whose music fuses oriental and occidental ethnic and electric style music, will perform live at the Patron Party. Kermit Ruffins, legendary New Orleanian trumpeter, will play later in the evening with his band the BBQ Swingers, a traditional jazz quintet. This performance will be followed with dancing tunes by DJ RQ Away, one of the most sought-after DJs in New Orleans.
ENJOY THE BEST FOOD OF NEW ORLEANS
The Gala will serve an array of libations provided by Abita Brewing Company, Absolut Elyx Vodka, Avión Tequila, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Chloe Wine Collection, Glenlivet Scotch, Malibu Rum, and Monkey 47 Gin, and delectable bites from New Orleans’ refined restaurants Acme Oyster House, Chais Delachaise, Dat Dog, Dickie Brennan and Co., Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Galatoire’s, Greek Girls Rice Pudding, Joy the Baker, Marcello’s, Ralph's on the Park, Shaya, Sucre, and Sylvain.
ATTEND THE ROCKETMAN PREMIERE IN NEW YORK WITH ELTON JOHN
The New Orleans Film Society will be auctioning numerous luxury items at the gala provided by local businesses and chefs from the New Orleans area. The auction will begin at 9 p.m. and will be hosted by the auctioneer Adam Marcus. A VIP weekend in New York with attending the premiere of Elton John biopic "Rocketman," a premium whiskey tasting for 25 at the historic Sazerac House; floor seats to a New Orleans Pelicans game; a Puerto Vallarta getaway; a private dinner in your home hosted by James Beard award winning Chef Justin Devillier are only a few of the many luxurious items being auctioned off at the 30th Anniversary Gala. All the proceeds from the auction will go directly to funding the New Orleans Film Festival and filmmaker development programs which support independent filmmakers in Louisiana.
LIMITED TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE
The New Orleans Film Society offers various options and pricing for gala guests. Purchase your tickets at neworleansfilmsociety.org or (504)-309-6633.
The Gala Ticket ($300, $250 for NOFS members) provides guests with a celebration under the romantic oaks of the Farrell estate as the St. Charles streetcar rolls by. Gala guests will experience live music and dancing, a selection of New Orleans’ top restaurants, craft cocktails, and an opportunity to bid on once in a lifetime experiences at a live auction.
The Patron Party Ticket ($400, $350 for NOFS members) includes all the Gala Ticket has to offer and more. Guests of the Patron Party will arrive at 7pm and have the opportunity to tour two levels of the home and toast the New Orleans Film Society’s 30th anniversary with hors d’oeuvres by Marcello’s, Drago’s, and Galatoire’s, and champagne by Piper Heidsieck.
The VIP Table ($3,000) includes all of the entertainment that the previous tickets have to offer and dedicated seating and cocktail table service for eight guests.
