As a Louisianian who is a lover of all things related to film and the entertainment industry, I can’t remember being more proud of my state and the growth of our film industry than this weekend at the Louisiana International Film Festival. The festival, which started on Thursday, was a four-day event full of movie screenings, workshops, and celebration of “American Independents, World Cinema, and Louisiana’s unique arts and culture, music, and history” through film.
Those of you who are not as in-tune with the entertainment world may wonder, “Why, Louisiana? We can never compete with bustling cities like Los Angeles or New York City.” Well, it turns out that not only can we compete, but we can be even better. Ever since the Louisiana Motion Picture Tax Incentive Act was enacted by Louisiana legislature over a decade ago, Louisiana has become one of the top location destinations for film and television production. Everything from the final “Twilight” film to “Pitch Perfect” and “21 Jumpstreet” has been filmed in Louisiana. Our state is now affectionately called, “Hollywood South.”
So, with all of the love we’ve received from the best of Hollywood, the Louisiana International Film Festival & Mentorship Program began as a “conduit for education and outreach where the residents of Louisiana may obtain skills and relationships that enable them to play a central role in the State’s burgeoning film industry,” according to LIFF’s website.
Through the leadership of executive director, Chelsey Heymsfield, and her amazing team, LIFF was able to have the inaugural launch of the film festival this weekend at Perkins Rowe’s Grand Cinema and the Manship Theater downtown. Over 50 films were shown from all over the world including France, Germany, and Guatemala. I was able to attend the screening of the French film, “Renoir.” The film, set in 1915, followed the latter years of impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s life and the harrowing, yet beautiful, story of how a young woman named Andree was able to inspire his paintings and also change the life of his son, Jean, forever.
Another film screening I attended was the indie movie, “Lonely Boy,” which was a beautifully written film about a man named Frankie who suffers from schizophrenia, a mental illness defined by disorganized speech, irregular thoughts and behaviors in social situations, and hallucinations. Many filmmakers and actors struggle with portraying mental illness on screen in a way that is honest and raw in the avenues of both approach and delivery. However, “Lonely Boy,” seemed to do it effortlessly. The filmmakers also did a great job with including how heavily mental illness affects, not just the individual who is diagnosed, but the family of the one diagnosed as well. In a Q&A with the audience after the screening, lead actor, writer, and producer of the film, Alev Aydin, opened up about how his mother’s brain tumor, which exhibited symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia, is what inspired the film. When asked about how the audience can help to make the film a commercial success, Aydin answered humbly and said they didn’t set out to make money with this film, but wanted to “create a piece of art that stays with the audience after.” As I write about this film almost 7 hours after finishing it, there’s no doubt that the stunning piece of art that is “Lonely Boy” is still with me and may never leave.
After walking out of my final screening of the weekend, I was filled with an unusual feeling of both joy and sadness. Joy that the Louisiana International Film Fest was able to organize such a successful event, and sadness that the festival had to end. Fortunately, Louisiana International Film Fest & Mentorship Program offers workshops, screenings, and more fun events all year round.
Check out LIFF’s website at: http://liff2013.com/ for more information.
