Published 11:14 am Friday, October 2, 2026
The Lake Charles <a href="https://cinemamix360.com/2026/10/02/oscar-winner-julianne-moore-to-receive-lifetime-achievement-award-at-rome-film-festival/" title="Oscar Winner Julianne Moore to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Rome Film Festival“>film festival will feature the 100th anniversary screening of “45 Minutes from Hollywood,” a 1926 silent comedy short starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, before they were stars. After screenings, there will be time for questions, answers and discussions. (Special to the American Press)
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The Lake Charles Film Festival, celebrating independent films, returns Saturday for its 15th year.
The festival begins at 8:45 a.m. at the Brimstone Museum and Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur for a full day of entertainment, fun, networking and more.
The films range from 3 minutes to 2 hours in blocks, short- and feature-length work. Many of the more than 50 films come from right here in Louisiana. Categories include narrative, documentary, student films, animation and music videos and include action, drama, comedy, sci-fi and horror genres. Filmmakers and actors will be available to discuss their productions.
“After each block, we’ll give an opportunity to the directors and actors from the films to get up and do a Q and A and also, if they don’t have enough time in between to get in depth, then people can feel free to talk to them throughout the festival as well,” Bennett said. “They’re always happy to share their thoughts and give some tips if you’re interested in creating your own film.”
The festival will premiere two new feature narrative films made in Louisiana inside the Mines House. At 9:10 a.m. don’t miss “The All-Healing Grave” and at 11 a.m. “Death Before Dawn.” The festival will also feature the 100th anniversary screening of “45 Minutes from Hollywood.” The 1926 silent comedy short stars Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy and was made before they became a legendary comedy team. The classic will screen at 3 p.m.
The festival will also include a traveling block of Texas short films based out of Orange, Texas, and a block of eight Bigfoot short films.
Louisiana’s own actor, Tony Lawson, will present “From Background to Real Actor: How to Become a Paid Extra in Movies and TV.” Lawson has credits in more than 100 movies and television shows filmed in Louisiana and will explain how to start a side job or career as a professional background actor and grow into a working actor during the acting panel at 12:30 p.m. in the Henning Cultural Center.
“Tony started off doing background work but then he built himself up to where he has speaking roles and then a main actor in independent films, so he’s going to talk about getting a job as an extra whether they want to do it for fun or as a future career,” Bennett said. “It’s great for teachers who are off in the summer or if you’re retired; it’s a great supplement income or for people who are just looking for something to do.”
“These are artists and they’re here presenting their art so come and check it out and let them know you care about artists and that you’re supporting them,” he said.
An awards ceremony will take place following the screenings on Saturday. All participating films must be made within two years of the festival. Guests can also enjoy the Henning Cultural Center’s brand-new pop culture exhibit, Chaos Theory Art Show, open to the public and free to attend during the festival. The festival will take place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Brimstone Museum and Henning Cultural Center located at 900 South Huntington St. Parental discretion is advised.
“These people put their whole heart into this,” Bennett said.
Festivities kick off at 7 p.m. Friday with a mixer on the balcony deck at Lagunas Mexican Grill and Cantina in Lake Charles where attendees can mingle with filmmakers, actors and film enthusiasts.
