#CREATELOUISIANA
FRENCH CULTURE FILM GRANT
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From the early explorers to the dancehalls of Acadiana, the stories of French-speaking Louisiana have reached audiences around the globe, continually evolving and inspiring new generations to embrace this unique relationship.
In 2017, #CreateLouisiana launched a new partnership to showcase the state’s deep connection to French and Francophone culture. With support from lead sponsor TV5MONDE USA, the #CreateLouisiana French Culture Film Grant was born (more below on the inaugural grantee).
The $32,500 cash grant supports one Louisiana filmmaking team to create a groundbreaking new film (a short scripted film or feature-length documentary) featuring French culture and talent.
The film will be completed within 12 months of receiving the award, with the finished project set to screen at the 2018 New Orleans French Film Festival.
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16 applications were reviewed by industry professionals with the winning grant recipients being announced at closing night of the 2017 New Orleans French Film Festival on April 27, 2017.
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The #CreateLouisiana French Culture Film Grant is supported by TV5MONDE USA, Deep South Studios, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and the New Orleans Film Society.
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2017 FRENCH CULTURE FILM GRANT RECIPIENT
"LE GRAND REMIX"
Director and Writer Austin Alward and Producer Sam Claitor were the recipients of the 2017 #CreateLouisiana French Culture Film Grant for their short narrative film,“Le Grand Remix."
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SYNOPSIS: “Le Grand Remix” tells the story of Cass and Felicia, two francophone New Orleans denizens. Faced with the possibility of being banned from the country if she leaves for the summer to attend her sister's wedding, a young teacher named Felicia working at a French elementary school bonds with a Vietnamese student, Cass, at their end of school year party. Heartbreak, music, and a shared love of vintage French vehicles lead the unlikely duo on an imagination-fueled journey where they discover that sometimes life's songbook just needs a little remix.
The film will premiere at the 2018 New Orleans French Film Festival.
