CRESCENT CITY FILM FESTIVAL SHINES A LIGHT ON ALL VOICES
Excitement is abuzz in New Orleans with the upcoming fourth annual Crescent City Film Festival which hails talent from across the southern states, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. Participants are ready to showcase their long and short films, music videos and any visual content for the public eyes to enjoy. The festival, taking place April 21 - 23 2023, is more than a feast for the eyes, it is an intentional aim to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all creators in the film and visual community.
“We are trying to reach out to underrepresented audiences and film-makers,” said Yalani Warren, Loyola student and one of the organizers of the student-run festival. “We are reaching out to queer voices, people of color and also stepping into the culture of New Orleans that is full of color, culture and complexity.” Said Warren. The festival aims to reach as broad an audience as possible which allows participants to be free and express themselves through their work.
“We are excited to have received submissions already from the public,” said Warren about the submission of student film, video’s and other visual submissions the festival has received. The festival continues to be important for students who are its main focus, giving them access to broad audiences. “We are more proud this year of our goal to reach a more diverse group and allow them to feel more heard, seen and free to express themselves in their art.”, said Warren about the importance of the festival.
“Participants will receive real-life experience, feedback and appreciation from the public,” said Warren about what participants will gain from participating in the festival. This experience will be helpful in participants growing in their talents network with other creators in the industry and the festival jury.
The interactive experience will provide the opportunity for creators to engage with the public and hear first hand what the audiences they want to reach feel and think about their work, invaluable exposure for up and coming creators. The public can look forward to enjoying the festival which will be hosted on Loyola University, New Orleans campus and engage with filmmakers in a Q&A session. Entries close on April 1, 2023 and the festival continues to encourage students and filmmakers to enter.
