LAFAYETTE, LA – NOVEMBER 16, 2023 – Through a partnership with Southern Screen, Lafayette Parish School System, Acadiana Center for the Arts and Lafayette Parish Bicentennial, the first Lafayette Parish Student Film Festival will be screened at Southern Screen Festival on Saturday, November 18 at Acadiana Center for the Arts.
Students were challenged to create films with the theme of “200 Years of History: Discover the People and Places that make Lafayette Unique.”
Open to grades 6–12, students had to be in the Lafayette Parish School System and could create films on their school-issued Chromebooks or another device such as a phone or tablet. The theme encouraged students to think about local stories or legends, the origins of names of buildings, parks or local streets or landmarks and traditions they might like to learn more about.
Acadiana High School speech & theatre teacher, Kasie LaFleur, says, “Having the opportunity for our students to explore and showcase their talents in the film aspect of performing arts is extremely exciting! The performing arts consist of so much more than just stage acting. Seeing that recognized and supported by our community is both heart warming and encouraging! Louisiana has quickly become the Hollywood of the South due to the tax breaks offered to filmmakers. Having some early experience in production, film acting, costuming, and hair/makeup/SFX opens up a world of opportunities for these kids that are interested in working in the industry as adults! Like most of Louisiana, our students are a diverse group from various backgrounds and cultures. The unique perspectives they have to offer will no doubt help positively shape the future of the industry! I am just someone lucky enough to be able to see the magic firsthand and to help guide them on their journeys! We are looking forward to more opportunities like this and we are truly appreciative of your support and efforts!”
14 films will be screened beginning at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 18 at the Southern Screen Festival at Acadiana Center for the Arts. Following the screenings, winners will be announced and students will be invited to the stage for a Q&A session with the film festival organizers.
Tickets for this screening are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Weekend passes to the Festival are also available.
More info: https://www.southernscreen.org/attend
