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.
94 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Networking
  • Patricia Burke

    I am honored to receive the best animated short award from NOIFA for The Boy Prince and the Bear, written, directed and produced by Patricia A Burke. Animation by Makenzie Willet. Voice Talent Kathryn Georghiou. Music by Neal Zweig. This was a team effort and we are thrilled to receive this award. NOIFA is a great venue to showcase your independent films. I will keep submitting all my projects here. Thanks!

    April 2026
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  • Billy McGrath

    Hi from Dublin, Ireland. Thank you for including Ballroom Boom in your festival. A real honor. Billy & Adam

    March 2026
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  • Jennifer Booth

    Thank you to the New Orleans International Film Awards for the Semi-Finalist recognition. It was an honor to be included!
    It was an exciting moment for Notes for Tomorrow!
    Jenn Booth

    March 2026
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  • Peter Hardy

    I was delighted to win your award for Short Script for my screenplay A KEY TO THE PLOT, as well as being a Semi-Finalist with the short film I wrote and produced, YOUR HUSBAND’S PASSWORD. I wish there was more information about how to enjoy and benefit from an online festival.

    March 2026
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  • Sandra Cropsey

    Thank you! Festivals are so needed for filmmakers and screenwriters. Thank you for your kind efforts in doint so! An honor indeed!

    October 2025
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