Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is partnering with Southern Screen Film Festival to celebrate the 30th anniversary of “Belizaire The Cajun,” which will be shown from 6 - 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Vermilionville.
Filmed in Acadiana and released in 1986, the award-winning film “Belizaire” offered a positive portrayal of Cajun culture and helped launch both the 1980s all-things-Cajun craze and the independent film movement. Breaking the ceiling of regional popularity, the film went on to find national and international acclaim at Cannes, Sundance and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Written and directed by Glen Pitre and starring Armand Assante in the title role along with Robert Duval, “Belizaire the Cajun” tells the story of a wily 1859 root doctor who must save his friend’s life, win a woman’s heart, outfox a crooked sheriff, stop marauding vigilantes, expose an evil villain, rescue the inheritance of three orphaned children, heal the sick, play music for the dance and, of course, keep himself off the gallows.
Pitre himself will be on hand to introduce the film and answer questions following the screening.
Tickets are limited and on sale for $10 or $5 with a Festival Pass. Visit Southern Screen for more information or purchase tickets via Eventbrite.