Oct 16, 2024 - Things to Do

5 movies you shouldn't miss at the New Orleans Film Festival

Chelsea Brasted

A photo of two young men as they look toward the sky with awe. — A still from "Nickel Boys." The locally shot movie was directed by RaMell Ross. Photo: L. Kasimu Harris for "Nickel Boys"

The New Orleans Film Festival begins its 35th year Wednesday, and there are plenty of great watches ahead before the fest wraps next Tuesday.

Why it matters: It's an opportunity to see locally made movies, especially as end-of-year buzz begins for awards season.

If you go: Tickets can be purchased individually, but pass-holders can see six or more movies.

Here are five showings you shouldn't miss:

👑 "A King Like Me": Follows the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club as it works to put on its 2022 parade, its first after the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed the lives of 16 members. Go deeper

📚 "Nickel Boys": A locally shot adaptation of Colson Whitehead's novel about a Jim Crow-era boys' reform school. Trailer

🎨 "Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue": Examines the life and legacy of the "Blue Dog" creator. Trailer

🎤 "Ghetto Children": Introduces the world to the sons of rap icons Juvenile, B.G. and Soulja Slim.

🎞️ "Roleplay": A documentary about Tulane students healing from sexual violence through theater, with music from Hurray for the Riff Raff's Alynda Segarra.

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5 movies you shouldn't miss at the New Orleans Film Festival

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