Festival dossier
New Orleans, United States · Est. 1989 · High structural score (80–100) for legitimacy and industry clout — not limited to Oscar-qualifying festivals
Strong legitimacy signals
Tier A score for legitimacy and industry clout. Still confirm deadlines, fees, and categories on the festival site before paying.
The New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF), organized by the New Orleans Film Society since 1989, is the longest-running annual film festival in Louisiana and one of the largest in the South, showcasing over 200 independent films annually with a strong emphasis on diverse, emerging, and regional voices. It is notable for being an Academy Award®-qualifying festival in three categories—Documentary Short, Narrative Short, and Animated Short—and has been recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the world's "25 Coolest Film Festivals" and a top festival worth the entry fee for over a decade. The festival attracts approximately 25,000 attendees and 400–500 filmmakers each year, serving as a vital platform for connecting Southern storytellers with global industry players while celebrating New Orleans' unique cultural vibrancy.
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
No red flags found
Founded
1989
Venue
1215 Prytania Street Suite 423 New Orleans, LA 70130 United States
Screenings
Physical screenings confirmed
Award Categories
10
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