A newly released documentary, Michalopoulos: The Art of Celebration, will be honored as the Opening Night feature film of the 36th Annual New Orleans Film Festival this October.

Michalopoulos: The Art of Celebration traces the evolution of James Michalopoulos’ 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. Here he champions its culture, artists, architecture, and communities–making the preservation of New Orleans’ spirit as much his legacy as his art.

The documentary is the latest project from the award-winning team responsible for creating acclaimed documentaries on Fats Domino, Irma Thomas and George Rodrigue. It was directed by Sean O’Malley and produced by PBS affiliate, WLAE.

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, fostering connections within the film industry, while embracing New Orleans’ unique cultural vibrancy. NOFF seves as a vital platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work to global audiences. 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 will take place 7 p.m.  Oct. 23 at  Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
1419 Basin Street, New Orleans. For more information about NOFF and to purchase tickets, click here.