Our Story
Deep in the heart of New Orleans’ seventh ward is a cabaret bar with shiny, neon lights leading to its entrance. The AllWays Lounge is the epicenter of the city’s LGBTQ+ performance community with nightly drag performances, live peep shows, and tantalizing burlesque numbers. As the venue fosters a space for independent and queer artists alike, it struggles through the changing tides of government safety protocols, rising rent payments, and ongoing natural disasters which New Orleans is no stranger to. Against all odds Zalia , the AllWays' owner, and the club’s colorful cast of performers show their resolve and creativity to keep The AllWays Lounge from closing its doors forever.
Director's Statement
When I started filming I Love You, AllWays, I knew there was something special and fascinating happening in the AllWays Lounge during such a difficult time. I also knew this film that could not be told without mentioning the pandemic so I kept wondering: “Will the world need or want another film about Covid once all of this is said and done?” Once I began filming the AllWays Peep Show, however, doubt was replaced with hope and excitement because I knew this story had to be shared with the world.
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It goes without saying that New Orleans is one of the most vibrant and interesting cities on the planet. With its drag queens, cabaret dancers, burlesque performers, The AllWays Lounge is a microcosm of that magic and seeing our queer community grapple with the struggles of keeping that magic alive has been the greatest privilege of my life as an artist thus far. I Love You, AllWays is a celebration of queer community and resilience and the wonderful cast of characters who inhabit the film constantly remind me to continue to keep my head up and move forward even during the toughest of times. I can't wait for you to meet them and revel with us in the magical world of The AllWays Lounge in New Orleans.
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-Stuart Sox, Director