The first Annual Cane River Film Festival will be March 23-24. With Natchitoches’ long history with American cinema, the film festival hopes to represent that latest chapter in that history and the diversity of the community. The festival will feature live music, activities, film industry networking and extensive filmmaker Q&As. The 30th anniversary of “Steel Magnolia” will also be celebrated with a screening at the riverbank stage. For more information on sponsorships, vendor information and to enter, visit caneriverfilmfestival.com or contact Kelly Jackson at (318) 505-0466.
Student submissions are welcome:
The mission of the film festival is to showcase, nurture and support creative Louisiana student filmmakers and promote family-focused films. The festival gives student filmmakers an opportunity to network with writers, panelists, agents, producers and industry insiders that will attend.
Rules for submission:
♦the submitting filmmaker must be a Louisiana film student.
♦a completed official entry on www.caneriverfilmfestival.com must be digitally signed by the filmmaker.
♦payment of the non-refundable entry fee must accompany the submission.
The fee for a film’s submission is $20 and the deadline is Feb. 28. To submit, go to caneriverfilmfestival.com, hover over “menu” and click SUBMIT. You will be redirected to filmfreeway.com.
Schedule of Events:
DAY ONE
Historic District Horse and Carriage rides and walking tours encouraged
Own your Own Tour suggestions:
Steel Magnolia House, American Cemetery, Susan Harling Park, Riverbank/Historic District, St. Augustine Catholic Church
♦10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Film Screenings at the LSMSA Theatre/Recital Hall for Louisiana Independent Filmmakers
♦6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Launch Party (Private Affair) VIP Red Carpet Sponsors Ball at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
Includes meet and greet, live jazz music and catering from local restaraunts. Tickets at $100 and capacity is to be announced.
DAY TWO
♦11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Live Entertainment on the Rue Beauport Riverfront Stage
Lineup includes:
Indigeaux
LSMSA performers
DeShawn Washington
Rick Pierce
Cane River Soul
♦7 p.m. – Guest speakers and giveaways
♦8 p.m. – Free Movie Under The Stars “Steel Magnolias”
Activities from Taste of Cane, Kids Fun Corner, Arts and Minds Acting Academy, Art a La Carte, Artist Colony and Cane River Paddle and Pedal Sports.
♦10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Entertainment Industry Business Expo at the Events Center
Q&A Professional Guest Panel
♦1 p.m. – Louisiana Independent Women in Film with Kanetha Lanee and Laura Prissy Scott
♦1:30 p.m. – “Steel Magnolias” Film Sites Inside View with Tommie Whitehead and Jerry Pierce
♦2 p.m. – Two-time Emmy Award Winner/Produce for “American’s Next Top Model” and “The Amazing Race” Bob Mora
Entrance fee is $10, children 12 and under admitted free. Price includes both venues (riverfront and events center)