News & stories
From the studio.
Awards, screenings, talks and research guides from LS3 Studios and Leonard Smith III.
AwardsSept 30, 2025
A Place Called Desire wins Best Documentary at the Black Film Festival of New Orleans
The film took Best Documentary and Best Audience among the festival’s 2021 honorees.
AwardsMay 7, 2024
LS3 Studios wins at the 30th Communicator Awards
An Award of Excellence in General History & Biography for The Gulfside Assembly Story.
IllustrationGuides & historyDec 3, 2023
The power of legacy: why every family story deserves to be told
Family stories are the threads that weave our past, present and future together.
IllustrationGuides & historyOct 25, 2023
Where to research African American genealogy
A genealogist’s guide to the essential resources for tracing African American family history.
EventsSept 26, 2023
The National Genealogical Society’s first Culture Conversation
Leonard Smith III discusses A Place Called Desire with NGS members via Zoom.
Guides & historyJune 25, 2023
Mercedes Tucker Stamps earned a place in history
Al Kennedy on the first itinerant instrumental music teacher serving African American students in New Orleans public schools.
AwardsJune 15, 2023
Louisiana Heritage Media Award
A Place Called Desire is honored for recreating the historical memory of a community.
Guides & historyApr 7, 2023
Choosing a video production company in New Orleans
What to look for, and what to ask, before you hire a production company.
FilmsSept 17, 2022
A Place Called Desire: unforgettable history lessons
“Somehow the filmmaker manages to share hard truths with a gentle touch.” Dr. Al Kennedy
FilmsJan 29, 2022
WYES-PBS will air A Place Called Desire
Watch on WYES-TV, wyes.org/live and the WYES and PBS apps.
FilmsJuly 23, 2021
Leading to Glory
Five Louisiana men who volunteered to fight for the freedom they sought and cherished.
AwardsJune 15, 2021
LS3 Studios wins its 6th Telly Award
A Bronze Telly at the 42nd annual awards for the biography documentary Raymond Andrew Boseman.
AwardsMar 13, 2013
LS3 Studios wins a 2nd AVA Digital Award
A Gold award, shared with Narrative Network, for the trailer From Shanghai to Harlem.
EventsFeb 17, 2013
NOMA screens A Legend in the Classroom
The life story of Ms. Yvonne Busch, shown alongside the exhibition Ralston Crawford and Jazz.
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