New Orleans International Film Awards’ mission is to bring international independent films to the widest possible audience in the region. Our online festival aims to provide a cultural alternative to the commercial film experience, to support independent filmmakers, and to promote the art of filmmaking.

New Orleans is part of an amazing worldwide community—a unique collaboration of multi-talented writers, film score composers, and filmmakers. The festival’s mission is to entertain, inform, inspire, encourage, and educate. We honor those artists who, through their creative work, actively increase awareness, provide multiple viewpoints, address complex social issues, and strengthen ties between international audiences.

At this online festival, you can come together with other writers, directors, and producers to create new opportunities, develop tools for success, and forge new alliances within the international film and entertainment industry.

New Filmmakers New Orleans is exclusive to FilmFreeway, and all short and feature films are selected from FilmFreeway submissions. The festival especially looks forward to showcasing independent and first-time directors making use of low budgets and indie film spirit.

Awards & Prizes

Awards and prizes :

New Orleans International Film Awards will be celebrating the year's best in short and feature film genre:

Best Short Film
Best Feature Film
Best Short Documentary
Best Feature Documentary
Best LGBT Short
Best Horror Short
Best Sci-Fi Short
Best Animated Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Short Short
Best Music Video
Best Short Director
Best Short Script
Best Short Unproduced Script
Best Feature Director
Best Feature Script
Best Unproduced Feature Script

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms

1. All film entries must be submitted digitally to be considered for selection and received by the final receipt deadline.
2. Films which have been broadcast on Television, Cable or have had an international theatrical release prior to the festvial are NOT eligible for any competition but may be screened, out of competition.
3. New Orleans International Film Awards will consider any short film under 50 minutes.
101 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Trix StarT

    Bringing Pure Indie Energy to USA 🇺🇸✨ visual dynamism brought an incredibly refreshing edge to the festival line-up!
    🕶️ Catch the Hollywood hype: https://www.youtube.com/TrixStarT 🔥

    July 2026
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  • MASOOD ALI

    I was overjoyed to witness 'The Quran' being honored with an award at the New Orleans International Film Awards!!! I must commend the festival for its sincere and genuine approach to recognizing outstanding films. The exceptional judging panel's unbiased selection truly reflects the festival's commitment to excellence. May Almighty bless this New Orleans International Film Awards and its future endeavors. Kudos to the team for maintaining such high standards!

    Masood Ali
    Hollywood 2 Bollywood Pictures"

    July 2026
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  • Mike Davies

    The New Orleans International Film Awards has established itself as a welcoming platform for independent filmmakers looking to showcase their work to an international audience. While it may not have the scale of the world’s largest film festivals, it offers something equally valuable for many creators: an accessible, filmmaker-focused environment that celebrates originality, creativity, and diverse storytelling.

    One of the festival’s greatest strengths is its openness to emerging talent. First-time directors, independent producers, student filmmakers, and experienced creatives alike are given the opportunity to have their work considered across a broad range of categories. This inclusive approach encourages artistic experimentation and provides recognition to films that might otherwise struggle to find an audience.

    The festival’s international outlook is another notable advantage. By welcoming submissions from around the world, it creates a diverse selection of films and gives participants the chance to connect with a global community of independent storytellers. Receiving an Official Selection or award can be a meaningful achievement for filmmakers building their festival résumé and promoting their projects.

    The submission process is straightforward and professionally organised, making the festival accessible to filmmakers at all stages of their careers. Communication is generally clear, and the emphasis remains on celebrating independent cinema rather than simply competing for prestige.

    Perhaps most importantly, the New Orleans International Film Awards demonstrates a genuine appreciation for independent filmmaking. Rather than focusing solely on high-budget productions or established names, it provides recognition for creativity, passion, and strong storytelling—qualities that are at the heart of independent cinema.

    Overall, the New Orleans International Film Awards is a worthwhile festival for filmmakers seeking international recognition, professional presentation, and an encouraging environment. Its commitment to supporting independent voices makes it a valuable addition to the global festival circuit.

    Rating: 4.5/5

    The New Orleans International Film Awards is a strong choice for independent filmmakers looking to gain recognition, celebrate their work, and become part of an international community that values creativity and original storytelling.

    July 2026
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  • Algis Kemezys

    We are so pleased being a semi_finalist with this Festival with our movie Medusa & Hermes The Reincarnation Musical. God Bless them. It's so wonderful that we achieved this recognition.

    July 2026
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  • Harlan Bordelon

    Very good experience! It is good to see that my home state has such a festival.
    HIGHLY RECCOMEND!

    July 2026
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