Praised by publications like Variety, IndieWire and Hollywood Reporter, the Louisiana International Film Festival has already made a name for itself as a display of world-class movie-making that includes an eclectic mix of independent films, documentaries and big-budget studio productions. To honor the Baton Rouge community that plays host to the festival, organizers will host an official Kick-Off Party Monday, March 28, at the Roux House downtown.

The party is free and open to the public and will allow guests to meet festival organizers, volunteers and the creative community of Baton Rouge. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., with traditional red beans and rice prepared by Galatoire’s Bistro Chef Kelley McCann and live music by the Michael Foster Project starting at 7 p.m.

Guests will also be privy to additional festival details and special announcements made at the event, but anyone who doesn’t mind being the second to know can visit lifilmfest.org for more information about the festival, including the films scheduled to screen, as well as details about other festival-sponsored entertainment and food.

Film-lovers and casual fans alike can purchase festival passes or individual tickets at lifilmfest.org/festival-passes, and sponsorships are still available by emailing [email protected]. LIFF 2016 runs from April 13 to 17.