About the Festival
— New Orleans International Film Awards · an online celebration of independent cinema —
Welcome to the New Orleans International Film Awards — a seasonal online festival whose mission is to bring international independent films to the widest possible audience in the region. We exist to provide a cultural alternative to the commercial film experience, to support independent filmmakers, and to promote the art of filmmaking itself.
New Orleans is part of an amazing worldwide community — a unique collaboration of multi-talented writers, film score composers, and filmmakers. Our mission is to entertain, inform, inspire, encourage, and educate. We honor those artists who, through their creative work, actively increase awareness, provide multiple viewpoints, address complex social issues, and strengthen ties between international audiences.
At this online festival, writers, directors and producers come together to create new opportunities, develop tools for success, and forge new alliances within the international film and entertainment industry.
New Filmmakers New Orleans is exclusive to FilmFreeway — all short and feature films are selected from FilmFreeway submissions. We especially look forward to showcasing independent and first-time directors making use of low budgets and true indie film spirit.
Every season, a dedicated jury reviews the entries in private and announces the year's best in short and feature film categories. Winners join a growing family of storytellers whose work continues to travel far beyond the bayou.
❝Cinema was never meant to belong only to the few. It belongs to every voice brave enough to tell its story.
— the festival's guiding belief
Entries arrive from across the globe — US filmmakers and international ones alike.
From fiction to documentary, horror to animation — every independent voice has a stage.
One trusted home for submissions — selections are drawn only from FilmFreeway.
First-time directors and low-budget productions are not just welcome — they are our heart.
— submit your film for the coming season —
Contact Us
— questions about entries, selections, laurels or the press: the desk is open —
Selection status, laurels, certificates and press requests — the fastest written answer comes by email.
info@newfilmmakersneworleans.com Write to the office → The Submission DeskAll entries live on FilmFreeway. Submit your film, check deadlines and track your project there.
filmfreeway.com/NewOrleansFilmAwards Open the desk →From the office desk: always include your film title and category in your message — it helps us answer you in the shortest possible time.
