South Pitch, presented by the New Orleans Film Society, is a juried pitch competition dedicated to nurturing cinematic narratives rooted in the American South. The initiative reflects the Society's institutional commitment to Southern storytelling, as articulated by Artistic Director Clint Bowie, and positions itself as a vital platform for filmmakers whose work engages with the region's complex cultural and historical fabric. By focusing on both fiction and nonfiction, South Pitch acknowledges the breadth of documentary and narrative practices that define contemporary Southern cinema. Selected participants receive a grant of at least $1,500, a travel stipend for teams based outside the Greater New Orleans area, up to two All-Access Passes to the 2026 New Orleans Film Festival, pitch coaching, and one-on-one mentorship. The competition further offers a $5,000 top prize and a $2,500 runner-up prize in each category, determined by an industry panel, as well as a $500 audience choice award in each category. These resources are designed to support project development and to foster meaningful connections within the film community. The curatorial vision centers on projects that demonstrate a deep engagement with Southern stories, whether through fiction, documentary, or hybrid forms. The pitch format encourages filmmakers to articulate their creative vision and production strategy before a distinguished panel of industry experts, whose direct feedback constitutes a significant professional development opportunity. South Pitch thus serves as both a competitive arena and a collaborative space for advancing nuanced, regionally grounded cinema.