COOL Events

The COOL Cooperative hosts a variety of annual events designed to celebrate our students and partners while supporting essential community outreach. These unique and engaging gatherings are vital platforms for professional development, community engagement, and providing industry-informed education within the film and media production sectors. Our goal is to celebrate the achievements of our community and foster stronger connections through these key events.

Industry Informed Education

Spring and Fall

In collaboration with our film industry partners, we develop specialized training programs and educational events. These initiatives serve a dual purpose: to educate the broader community about the film industry and to train aspiring individuals for roles within it.

Two examples of this are our Commerce Panel and MUA Workshops (Makeup Artist Workshops)

The Commerce Panel is an event that connects industry professionals to discuss the business of film and media production. It also focuses on how local businesses can collaborate with the industry to increase their revenue.The Workshops are vital for individuals aiming to join the production workforce. They focus on specialized training and skills development across various production departments, frequently conducted in partnership with our union collaborators.

Film Day at the Capitol

Spring

The COOL Cooperative participates in Film Day at the Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This annual event is a crucial opportunity to advocate for the film industry, connect with lawmakers, and promote the educational and economic impact of film and media production in the state.

Film Slam Showcase

May- end of school year

The Film Slam is our premier yearly event, a showcase designed to celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of our students. This event offers an opportunity for students to screen their original short films for a public audience, industry professionals, and the community.

Fall

NOFF Student Takeover

We partner with the New Orleans Film Festival (NOFF) for the Student Takeover, an exciting day of programming dedicated to youth and student voices. This impactful initiative designed to engage and educate 300 students from communities around New Orleans and the River Parishes is quite the site to behold.

The COOL Cooperative curates an array of interactive workforce film installations, providing students with hands-on experience and insights into various aspects of film production and storytelling. As part of the festival, students will also have the opportunity to view a special screening of Heritage Documentary Projects and a special selection of films curated by the New Orleans Film Festival.

Holiday Film Flea Market

November

The Holiday Film Flea Market is a fun, community-focused event that supports our organization and gives back to the film community. It is a place to buy, sell, and trade film equipment, memorabilia, and other production-related items.