Press Release: Rolling on the River Alliance March 2026 Events

Media Contact:
Tami Fairweather
Rolling on the River Alliance
tami@tamifairweather.com

Rolling on the River Alliance Announces March 2026 Community Events Celebrating Film Industry Opportunities in Louisiana’s River Parishes

Three free events throughout March will connect local residents with career pathways in Louisiana’s growing film industry, timed with the historic Oscar nominations for “Sinners”

RIVER PARISHES, LA – 2 March 2026 – The Rolling on the River Alliance announced today a series of community events throughout March 2026 designed to connect River Parishes residents with opportunities in Louisiana’s film industry. The events come as Ryan Coogler’s Sinners — filmed in part in downtown Donaldsonville — has earned a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, taking place March 15, 2026.

The three free events and a press conference will take place across the River Parishes and include hands-on career training, cultural celebration, and direct connections with film industry professionals.

“There is real momentum building in the River Parishes,” said Gail LeBoeuf and Barbara Washington, co-founders and co-executive directors of Inclusive Louisiana. “By bringing film, culture, and community together, we are opening doors to careers and entrepreneurship while honoring our heritage. Our people belong at the center of what comes next.”

“We see this series of events as an entry point — not just for careers in film, but for entrepreneurship rooted in preserving our history and heritage,” said Ashley Gaignard, CEO of Rural Roots Louisiana, “When our community members have the tools and connections they need, they can build businesses and livelihoods that honor where we come from while shaping where we’re going.”

March Event Schedule:

Opening Press Conference: 

Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 2:00 PM at the first event in the series.

J.E. Thompson Center, 304 Memorial Drive, Donaldsonville, Ascension Parish. 

Roots & Reels: A Film Industry Open House and Experience
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
J.E. Thompson Center, 304 Memorial Drive, Donaldsonville, Ascension Parish

This drop-in event will feature wig installations, costuming and makeup stations, and conversations with local film industry professionals and casting agents. Attendees can learn about career pathways while enjoying food, music, and networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Organized by Rural Roots Louisiana.

River Road Juke Joint
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (screening at 5:00 PM)
The Hub, 8111 Romeville Street, Convent, St. James Parish

An afternoon honoring the juke joint tradition featuring a fish fry, history of juke joints in the River Parishes, music, and a screening of Sinners at 5:00 PM. The event celebrates Black Southern culture and the connection between heritage preservation and economic opportunity. Organized by Inclusive Louisiana.

Lights, Camera, Opportunity: Free Film Industry Training Fair for the River Parishes
Friday, March 27, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
River Parishes Community College (Reserve Campus), 181 Regala Park Road, Reserve, St. John the Baptist Parish

IATSE union-approved trainers will lead hour-long sessions in costumes, scenic practices, construction, cinema lighting, and hair and makeup for the camera. Attendees can also participate in panels on Film Industry Community Impact, Diversifying Income for Tradesmen in the Film Industry, and Entrepreneurship in Independent Filmmaking. All skills taught are transferable to multiple industries. A program of The COOL Cooperative, IATSE 478 and The Descendants Project. Free pre-registration is available HERE. 

“We’re excited to connect the River Parishes to a wide range of careers, trades in the film industry and transferable skills,” said Joy Banner, co-founder of The Descendants Project. “We already have great talent and talent creators to enhance a rich cultural economy.”

All events are free and open to the public.

About the Rolling on the River Alliance

The Rolling on the River Alliance is a growing partnership of community organizations and residents across Louisiana’s River Parishes and Cameron Parish in Southwest Louisiana working together to shape an economic future rooted in the preservation of local heritage and the growth of thriving, locally owned businesses. Rather than waiting for outside forces to determine the region’s economic path, the Alliance puts community members at the center of the conversation and the work, ensuring that the people of the region are the primary beneficiaries of economic prosperity. The Alliance’s work focuses on the film industry, tourism, business training, and data collection. Partner organizations include Rural Roots Louisiana, Inclusive Louisiana, The Descendants Project, Fishermen Involved in Saving Our Heritage (F.I.S.H.), and the Louisiana Bucket Brigade.