Infamous for its laissez-faire attitude, exquisite architecture, rich food, and, of course, prevailing music, New Orleans is a city that challenges and often distorts time and progress. Progressing at a languid pace, as one does in almost perpetual heat and humidity, the city has never failed to maintain its own irrepressible originality. In turn, the timeless beauty of New Orleans’ ragged streets has inspired countless stories. The Shotgun Waltz is one of them.Structured as a roving night’s journey through the city, the film’s narrative is filled with opportunities to showcase New Orleans music, architecture, culture and talent. The Shotgun Waltz is a third-time collaboration and first feature for a New Orleans film family that formed to produce Writer/Producer/Director Ji Un Choi’s two Louisiana short films “holding his rabbits” and the award-winning “Madchen” (Best Cinematography, New Orleans Film Festival 2012). Respect and trust in each other’s talents—as well as a shared standard of excellence in craft, story and vision—unite and inspire the filmmakers.Representing the city’s varied songs and stories, The Shotgun Waltz marries film with music through its narrative. Our film will be the first feature film to incorporate Robert Bigelow’s (CAS) technique of recording live music on set, which he innovated while working on HBO’sTremé. Renowned bass player, Roland Guerin serves as the film’s Director of Music. The film and the soundtrack will showcase the broad musical spectrum of New Orleans and will include world-renowned New Orleans musicians such as John Boutte, Dr. Michael White, and Donald Harrison, as well as up-and-coming trail blazers such as Vockah Redu, Quintron and Miss Pussycat, Alex McMurray, Ingrid Lucia, Detroit Brooks and Washboard Lissa.

Poised to push cinematic boundaries while painting an insider’s entanglement with New Orleans, The Shotgun Waltz brilliantly showcases the city’s singular allure.