Louisiana’s unparalleled natural beauty, cultural diversity, state-of-the-art facilities, friendly communities and competitive incentive program make it a filmmaker’s dream. Several major motion pictures have been filmed in Louisiana (American Horror Story, Dallas Buyer’s Club, Jurassic Park 4, Pitch Perfect and Fantastic Four, just to name a few recent ones). In addition, aspiring amateur or independent filmmakers, both native Louisianians and those from out of state, have made Louisiana their canvas.
Cinema on the Bayou an annual film festival held in Lafayette. The festival is dedicated to screening original, creative, and entertaining films created by filmmakers from a plethora of cultures and ideas. Cinema on the Bayou is Louisiana’s second longest running film festival behind the New Orleans Film Festival. As a matter of fact, it is because of the New Orleans Film Festival that Cinema on the Bayou came to be. The 2005 New Orleans film Festival was cancelled when Hurricane Katrina hit the city.
Upon the cancellation of the festival, Lafayette based filmmaker Pat Mire was contacted by the National Film Board of Canada offering a US premiere of the documentary “Maroon”, which was originally scheduled to premiere in New Orleans. Thus, the inaugural Cinema on the Bayou took place in early 2006.
Since its first appearance, Cinema on the Bayou has caught the attention of Louisiana, US, and worldwide filmmakers alike. Each year the event has screened more and more films to keep up with an ever-growing list of submissions and attendees. Consequently, the festival has had to expand to multiple venues across Lafayette in order to accommodate its patrons. Last year’s festival, which marked the 10th anniversary of Cinema on the Bayou, was the largest of all—over 100 films from across the country and the world were screened, and over 150 filmmakers, actors, and musicians attended.
Due to a major increase in popularity, Cinema on the Bayou 2016 will be extended from five days to eight days and will be held at several locations, including Acadiana Center for the Arts, Vermilionville, Pack and Paddle, and many more! Over 1,000 film submissions were received and sifted through, so this year’s patrons are guaranteed a vast selection of films, the majority of which will be Louisiana, US, or world premieres. Festival Director Rebecca Hudsmith commented:
“I am so proud of the quality and breadth of the films we will screen this year. From the Canadian Yukon to the mountains of Nepal to the streets of Tokyo to the wetlands of Louisiana, these films present heartfelt stories that will entertain, yes, but will also enrich our lives.”
Cinema on the Bayou 2016 runs from January 20 to January 27. Click here for a schedule of events and screenings.
Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News
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