John Dibert High School Students at our 2007 Festival
We are a festival with a mission. Founded by New Orleans artists and activists, we are dedicated to nurturing our city’s human rights community, supporting the work of local organizers and organizations involved in these struggles, and providing a forum for artistic expression of local and international issues.
Although we operate on a shoestring budget, we host a wide variety of films, workshops, and other events. We premiere powerful new films from around the world, while also highlighting brilliant local filmmakers and vital local grassroots organizations.
We have always prioritized community accountability, preparing our festival in consultation with a range of New Orleans’ grassroots; from veterans of the civil rights movement, to high school students, along with advocates, teachers, and organizers.
We also give direct support to grassroots efforts, often hosting fundraisers and always providing outreach opportunities. Local organizations we have organized benefits and other events for in the past include the New Orleans Women’s Health Clinic; INCITE! Women Of Color Against Violence; Critical Resistance; Neighborhood Gallery; and Safe Streets, Strong Communities.
Since our beginning, almost every film we have shown has been a local- or regional premiere. In addition, we have presented several world premieres, including powerful new films by both local and international filmmakers.
We support and feature local talent, from New Orleans high school students to world-class filmmakers based in New Orleans.
We are a community festival, hosting screenings around the city, from Chalmette to Central City, and Gentilly to the French Quarter.
We have also supported access to the festival by a wide range of communities – especially communities that have historically been excluded by many festivals – by offering free or reduced admission to many high school students and members of grassroots organizations like the Congress of Day Laborers.
We are more than just a New Orleans festival. We have hosted satellite screenings in Natchitoches and Shreveport, Louisiana, as well as in Detroit and New York City.
In addition to hosting our festival in the spring, we are active throughout the year, organizing screenings, presentations, and workshops across the city.
With your support, we will continue to amplify local voices, raise important issues, and build community.
