New Orleans Film Festival announces opening, closing night films

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The New Orleans Film Society announced the opening and closing night films that will be showing at the 36th annual, Oscar-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival.

This year’s opening night film, “Michalopoulos: The Art of Celebration,” is a feature documentary from director Sean O’Malley and produced by WLAE.

This year’s closing night film, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” directed by Rian Johnson, is the third installment of the Oscar-nominated “Knives Out” film series starring Daniel Craig as world-renowned detective Benoit Blanc, returning for his most dangerous case yet. The film recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

(Courtesy: New Orleans Film Festival)

This year’s Centerpiece film is “Jay Kelly,” directed by Noah Baumbach. The film stars George Clooney as legendary movie star Jay Kelly, who is joined by his loyal manager, Ron, played by Adam Sandler, as he embarks on a profound journey across Europe, which blurs the line between his public persona and public truth.

Another high-profile film announced is Bradley Cooper’s “Is This Thing On?”

The festival will also include the World Premiere of “Shelby,” which follows one Louisiana man’s adventures with underwater logging and treasure hunting. Plus, the North American premiere of “In Hell with Ivo,” and “Lovers,” executive produced by Nathaniel Rateliff, follows two women who return to their hometown for the funeral of a friend and includes New Orleans-based musician Sabrina McCalla.

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The New Orleans Film Society also announced a new three-year partnership with Andscape, the Black-led media platform under The Walt Disney Company and ESPN. Andscape is the presenting sponsor for the New Orleans Film Fest 2025.

The New Orleans Film Society received over 3,700 submissions from 125 countries, and it will be showcasing 130 plus films in-person at The Broad Theater, Contemporary Arts Center, The Prytania Theatre, The Mahalia Jackson Theater, The Historic New Orleans Collection and the New Orleans Jazz Museum from Oct. 23 through Oct. 27.

For ticket information, visit the New Orleans Film Society website.

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