The Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival (BRUFF) returns this weekend, August 27th – September 2nd, with a packed schedule of independent films, workshops, panels, parties, and special events. Organizers Joe Carleton and Nathan Hall joined Mornings With Brian Haldane to preview the festival and explain what makes BRUFF different.
Celebrating Independent Filmmaking
Carleton and Hall created BRUFF to build a stronger film community in Baton Rouge. They saw an opportunity to give filmmakers and audiences a place to connect through screenings, educational workshops, and industry discussions.
The festival embraces independent, genre, niche, and unconventional films. Organizers select movies through submissions and their own festival-circuit research. They look for projects that show a strong artistic voice while delivering something fun, unusual, or captivating. In selecting films for screening and booking workshops, speakers and panels, organizers balance supporting a serious film scene with creating an environment that is approachable and unpretentious.
BRUFF also includes panels that explore the business side of filmmaking, giving attendees access to professionals who can discuss how filmmakers turn creative projects into viable productions.
Special Events and Screenings
The festival opens with a gala before a screening of Sex, Lies, and Videotape, marking the first time in nearly 30 years that audiences can see the film on a big screen locally. Director Steven Soderbergh grew up in Baton Rouge and attended University High School.
The weekend also features a PJ party on the Shaw Center terrace, a movie-themed drag show at Mother’s Lounge, and a closing party with local DJ group Frequency.
Organizers expect another strong turnout after the festival sold out last year. They said ticket sales have already reached twice the level they saw at the same point last year.