The New Orleans Film Society unrolled the red carpet last month for the 20th annual New Orleans Film Festival, October 9-15. During the festival, six venues, including the Prytania Theater, the Contemporary Arts Center, Canal Place Cinema, the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Porch 7th Ward Neighborhood Center hosted films of all genres.
Before the festival kicked off, a special opening night gala was held October 8 at Blaine Kern Studios, where guests experienced silver screen magic. Produced by Alexa Georges and chaired by Raelynn Tammariello Loop, the opening night gala started off with an intimate patron party featuring cuisine from Herbsaint and lively music by David Torkanowsky & Friends. During this gathering, a “Celluloid Hero” award was presented to Renee Brunet, and guests celebrated the 20th anniversary with a delightful cake with exploding candles.
Following the patron party, guests entered the Grand Oaks Mansion for more revelry and fun. DJ Brice Nice kept guests dancing, while local restaurants including MiLa, Lilette, Lüke, One Restaurant and Lounge and Delachaise provided delicacies.
Gala committee members included Sondra Bibb, Karen Louise Crain, Nomita Joshi-Gupta and Adam Marcus.
The New Orleans Film Festival is also made possible with generous support from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences; the Arts Council of New Orleans; the Louisiana Division of the Arts; and the City of New Orleans.
The mission of the Film Society is to engage, educate and inspire through the art of film.
