LeBlanc and producer Rachel Nederveld’s film, “Footwork,” explores Creole trail riding culture in south Louisiana.
Drake LeBlanc (right) will receive $25,000 as the winner of the 2023 French Culture Film Grant. Drake LeBlanc/Télé-Louisiane
By Jonathan Olivier
This year’s $25,000 French Culture Film Grant from #CreateLouisiana has been awarded to Footwork, a film that explores the Creole trail riding culture of south Louisiana. Drake LeBlanc, the film’s director as well as chief creative officer and co-founder of Télé-Louisiane, and producer Rachel Nederveld, provide an abstract portrait of Creoles in Louisiana, as well as their strong connection to horses.
“I cannot imagine a more deserving filmmaker to receive support from #CreateLouisiana and its partners,” Nederveld said of LeBlanc. “We’re so grateful for their partnership in making this intimate portrait of Drake’s Creole roots and trail riding.”
LeBlanc, who has been working on the project for several months, will continue collecting and compiling footage for the film’s premiere at the 2024 French Film Festival, which will be held in March 2024 in partnership with the New Orleans Film Society.
“I’m excited to have support in making this documentary that will bring Louisiana’s culture to the rest of the world,” LeBlanc said.
The grant aims to support films made in Louisiana that showcase francophone culture in partnership with TV5Monde USA. This year, the grant also has additional support from the Louisiana Economic Development’s Entertainment Development Fund. Other supporters include Cox Communications, Deep South Studios, and the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana.
“TV5MONDE USA has an unshakable commitment to both the community of Louisiana and to showcasing unique stories about the local francophone culture,” said Patrice Courtaban, TV5MONDE USA CEO. “We are thrilled to celebrate the newest #CreateLouisiana French Culture Film Grant winner, Footwork, as they join an illustrious group of filmmakers who have made an impact on not only their community but the greater North American French speaking community.”
As the grant recipient, the film may also be broadcast on TV5MONDE USA, and it will be a part of the “Enseigner Le Français” lesson plan available on the French company’s website, serving as a resource for students around the world.
“#CreateLouisiana is thrilled to offer this unique grant opportunity again this year,” said Scott Niemeyer, #CreateLouisiana founder. “Each year, applicants statewide show us a diverse array of stories depicting Louisiana’s past and present ties to the French language and francophone cultures. We are committed in our efforts to support Louisiana creatives, and the successful continuation of the French Culture Film Grant is a great example of that commitment.”