The 2013 New Orleans Film Festival will has announced that Steve McQueen’s locally shot adaptation of 12 Years A Slave – starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and several others – will be the festival’s opening-night film this year, screening about a week before its theatrical debut on October 18.

The centerpiece, red-carpet, opening-night event will take place at the newly renovated Civic Theater on O’Keefe Avenue. 

McQueen is expected to be among those in attendance.

The announcement was made by the New Orleans Film Society, which organizes the annual festival. 

Also announced to screen at this year’s event is Lily Keber’s music documentary Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker – another title that’s gotten lots of ink on this blog in recent months.

The documentary has been selected as the festival’s closing-night film.

Film Society Executive Director Jolene Pinder:

“Both of the films were produced in New Orleans and represent the burgeoning film scene in the city. We are honored that the New Orleans Film Festival will be the premiere for both films. With these two films bookending the festival, we can showcase both larger productions now calling Louisiana home while also celebrating our indigenous filmmakers.”

Stay tuned for the rest of the festival’s 2013 lineup announcement.

The 2013 New Orleans Film Festival will run from October 10 to 17. 

For information on tickets visit the New Orleans Film Society website.