3rd Annual Lake Charles Film & Music Festival: Indie Films, Live Music, Workshops & Celebrity Guest

www.visitlakecharles.org/filmfest

The Lake Charles Film Commission is thrilled about the upcoming workshops, film screenings, and live performances at the 3rd annual Lake Charles Film & Music Festival, taking place October 10-12 at the Central School Arts & Humanities Center. Festival producer Patrick Bennett shares insights on this year's exciting event.

1. Why did you decide to produce a film festival for Lake Charles?

As an indie filmmaker, I've always loved attending film festivals nationwide to network with creators and enjoy exceptional indie cinema. The glamour of red carpet events, insightful workshops, lively parties, and celebrity encounters has always drawn me in.

After years of planning, I launched this festival to bring indie films, professional workshops, and celebrity guests to Lake Charles, building a thriving independent film community in Calcasieu Parish while offering audiences unique cinema unavailable in local theaters.

By Daniel Castro

2. What’s new and exciting about this year’s festival?

We've expanded to an extra day and added a music component with live indie band performances. Headlining is New Orleans rockabilly band Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue, blending Elvis and Johnny Cash vibes to kick off the festival with energy. A movie character-themed costume party caps off the final day for added fun.

Wesley Eure

Marking the 40th anniversary of TV's Land of the Lost, we're honored to host actor Wesley Eure, who played Will Marshall.

3. Who should attend?

Aspiring filmmakers at any level—from beginners to experts—will benefit from industry-led workshops and seminars to launch or refine their skills. Actors can attend acting sessions and network with directors.

By Daniel Castro

Film and music enthusiasts will enjoy diverse screenings (shorts, features, student, foreign, music videos) and varied live performances. Land of the Lost fans can meet Wesley Eure for autographs, photos, and a seminar on his TV, film, and music career.

By Daniel Castro

4. What seminar are you most excited about and why?

I'm eager for the Louisiana Film History seminar by Ed & Susan Poole, featuring facts, trivia, an exclusive Vitascope Hall documentary (America's first indoor theater in New Orleans), video clips, rare posters, and memorabilia—from silent films to today.

Also, Al Bohl’s stop-motion animation workshop, where participants create and animate clay rabbits in Wallace and Gromit style. The resulting video screens at our awards ceremony.