Michalopoulos: The Art of Celebration will be honored as the Opening Night Feature Film of the 36th Annual New Orleans Film Festival on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.  There will be an Opening Night After Party immediately following the documentary screening at the newly opened, art-filled boutique Hotel Pompadour, located in the Michalopoulos studio complex on Elysian Fields. 

No artist has captured the spirit of New Orleans like James Michalopoulos. Michalopoulos: The Art of Celebration traces the evolution of his work—from iconic architectural paintings and celebrated portraiture to luminous French landscapes. The son of a Greek immigrant and architect, Michalopoulos’ wanderlust brought him to New Orleans four decades ago. Drawn to its duality of beauty and decay, he forged a lifelong love affair with the city. From street artist to New Orleans icon, his rise in the ’90s led to international acclaim, yet he chose to root himself in America’s last bastion of Bohemia. He continues to champion New Orleans’ culture, artists and architecture, making the preservation of the city as much his legacy as his art. 

The New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) has been championing diverse filmmakers and groundbreaking stories for over 36 years. The festival highlights a rich blend of local, national, and international talent. It draws over 12,000 attendees and 250+ filmmakers to New Orleans each year. In 2025, NOFF received over 3,700 submissions, with only 133 selected, highlighting its 3% acceptance rate and commitment to exceptional curation. 

New Orleans Film Festival Opening Night 

Thursday, October 23, 2025, 7pm 

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts 

1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 

https://neworleansfilmsociety.org/ 

Opening Night After Party 

Thursday, October 23, 2025, 8:30pm (immediately following the film)

Hotel Pompadour, (hotelpompadour.com) 

Michalopoulos studio complex, 527 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA