What We Fund
New Orleans Film Festival - Your First Ticket Is On Us
The Helis Foundation is proud to support First Ticket on Us, an initiative designed to advance access and inclusion in New Orleans’ cultural life by removing financial barriers and welcoming all community members to the transformative power of film.
Launched in 2023, First Ticket on Us reflects our commitment to cultivating and celebrating a vibrant arts scene, one in which everyone has the opportunity to participate. In 2025, thanks to community demand, 1,132 complimentary tickets were redeemed by Greater New Orleans residents, a significant increase from 549 in 2024.
For 2026, our goal is to expand the reach of this initiative, particularly among audiences who have historically faced barriers to arts participation, including those from underrepresented and marginalized communities.
The 37th annual, Oscar-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival returns October 22-27, 2026 in venues across the city with in-person events, parties, panels, filmmaker pitches, and much more!
The majority of the lineup will also be accessible via NOFF Virtual Cinema globally between October 22-November 1, 2026. Geo-restrictions may apply to some screenings.
To learn more about the New Orleans Film Society and to purchase tickets to the 37th New Orleans Film Festival, click here. Just use the discount code ARTFORALL at checkout, and your first ticket is on us.