Louisiana's combination of picturesque towns, beautiful scenery, and the unique city of New Orleans make this state one of the most chosen settings for Hollywood films. For the five year period between 2002 and 2007, over $900 million worth of productions were made here. Visitors will often recognize vistas of the mighty Mississippi, swampy bayous, and the wrought iron railings of the French Quarter, which show up often in Hollywood films and television productions.
One of Louisiana's most famous movies is Steel Magnolias, starring Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Dylan McDermott, and many other well-known actors. Adapted from Robert Harling's play of the same name, which was based on a true story, the movie was set and filmed in Natchitoches. The Steel Magnolias House, formerly known as the Taylor-Cook House, is located in the historic area of Natchitoches and is the most photographed building in town. The historic district boasts many other beautiful homes and grand gardens which appeared in this film and others, including Man in the Moon, Reese Witherspoon's first major film.
Another famous Louisiana site is the notorious Angola Prison, where Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon starred in Dead Man Walking. Known around the world, Angola is located northwest of the capital city of Baton Rouge. Prisoners not only compete in the Angola Prison Rodeo in October, but spectators can buy tickets to watch it. Prison View Golf Course is also located on the grounds, tended by inmates and open to the public. The Angola Museum, called the Gateway to Angola, houses historical objects and information about the prison.
Other high-profile box office winners filmed in the area include the Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington vehicle The Pelican Brief and Double Jeopardy, with Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones. Both movies included scenes shot in the French Quarter, using busy Bourbon Street, famous cemeteries, and Mardi Gras crowds and parades as backdrops.
The Dukes of Hazzard film, starring Jessica Simpson, was shot in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Because of Winn-Dixie, although set in Florida, was filmed in Louisiana in Thibodaux and Napoleonville. Other films made in Louisiana include Factory Girl, Failure to Launch, Just My Luck, Monster's Ball, Big Momma's House 2, Ray, Roadhouse 2, The Skeleton Key, Something to Talk About, Vendetta, and The Waterboy. Many of these films take place at least partly in New Orleans. Films released in 2008 which shot here include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, starring Brad Pitt, and Blonde Ambition, starring Jessica Simpson.
Also set in New Orleans is the movie based on Tennessee Williams' classic play A Streetcar Named Desire. The movie version starred Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando, and it filmed on location in the Big Easy. While the actual streetcar is no longer running, visitors can still ride streetcars on the St. Charles line, then head over to the French Quarter to experience the sultry New Orleans neighborhood made famous in the play and movie.
In addition to New Orleans, Louisiana offers many other locations that serve as popular backdrops for movies. Among the most picturesque are the state's bayous lined with moss-laden cypress trees, as well as antebellum plantations. Many of these plantations are designated historic sites and are open to the public. Other Louisiana cities have gotten a shot at the big screen, too. A recent Sean Penn flick, All the King's Men, was based on the famous politician Huey P. Long, with the story set and filmed in the capital city of Baton Rouge. Travelers can visit the state capital, which was featured in the movie.
For independent filmmakers and fans, Louisiana offers a variety of film festivals. Not surprisingly, New Orleans hosts the largest number of them. The New Orleans Film Society presents two annual events: the New Orleans Film Festival in October, and the French Film Festival in March. Each April, the New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival comes to town, dedicated to works on human rights and justice. The Big Easy also hosts the Spirit of Humanity Film Festival and the Underground Film Festival in October.
Still, there are other places in Louisiana to attend film festivals. The Louisiana Film Fest is held each March in Shreveport. It features a student filmmaker division exclusively for students in grades K-12. Every April, Baton Rouge hosts the Red Stick Animation Festival, which includes screenings, workshops, and lectures all about animation. And in Covington, the annual Ozone Film Festival seeks to show films which otherwise wouldn't be seen in the area.
Whether taking in a film festival, strolling the oft-filmed streets of New Orleans, or seeking out the grand Steel Magnolia House, visitors will find plenty of cinematic connections in the Pelican State. When it comes to film, Louisiana plays a starring role.
Louisiana has an active Arts and Entertainment scene.
