Film Prize 2026 | 20 Short Films. One $50,000 Winner!

20 Short Films.
$50,000 Prize.
You're the Judge!

Events and Screenings October 15-18
in Shreveport and Bossier City

Events & Screenings October 15-18
in Shreveport and Bossier City

Welcome to Film Prize — a film festival like no other! At Film Prize, we present 20 short films made in Louisiana by filmmakers from across the country. These filmmakers are competing for the world’s largest cash prize: $50,000. The best part? You’re the judge! If you watch all 20 short films, which are screened in two groups of 10 films, you can vote for the winner!

ACTING NOMINATIONS (COMING SOON)

FILM PRIZE IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Tune in live to the Film Prize Awards Ceremony!

You watched, you voted, now it’s time to find out who won best actress, best actor, and who will take home a filmmaking grant, and who will walk away with the largest cash prize for a short film in the world and an Oscar-Qualifying screening package!

Tune in live on Sunday, October 19th at 11:00 a.m. Central Time.

There ARe Three Ways to Film Prize

Filmmakers from all over the country have worked hard to make short films in Louisiana for Film Prize. Twenty finalists have been selected from the entries, and now those filmmakers will compete in the festival to win the $50,000 cash prize.

Now… you’re the judge!

General Admission

Buy an in-person pass to Film Prize. Your pass is good for any screenings and parties you like — all weekend long.
Arrive at the theater early (20-25 minutes) for your preferred screening times. Seating is first come, first served and they do fill up!
Access to Film Prize University with filmmakers and industry professionals on Thursday from 11am until 2pm.
Access all parties and events, including the Film Prize Red Carpet on Thursday, October 15th as well as Friday night and Saturday night parties!

BUY GA PASSES

Film VIP Experience

As a VIP, you get all of the perks of Film Prize General Admission including seating at any screening of your choice (while seats last) and a vote for best film and best performance categories, PLUS...
Arrive at the theater early at least 15 Minutes early and you get front-of-the-line access at all venues. Late arrivals will be seated with GA.
Access to the Film Prize VIP Lounge at artspace which includes food and drink on both Friday and Saturday of Prize Fest with local restaurants catering.

BUY VIP PASSES

Virtual Festival

BUY VIRTUAL PASSES

How to Vote For Best Film and Best Performance

Here’s the skinny on what it takes to help pick the winner of the largest cash prize for a short film on Planet Earth!

Watch all 20 Films at multiple venues in Shreveport and Bossier City

In order to cast your vote for best film and best performance categories, you must watch all 20 short films. The 20 films will be separated into two groups called TEAL SLATE and ORANGE SLATE, ecah continaing 10 films and running approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes including an intermission.

FIND A SCREENING TIME

Get your badge punched after each screening as you exit the theater

After each screening, you’ll need to have your badge punched with a special device by one of the Film Prize Ushers as you exit the theater. If you leave without having your badge punched, you will not be eligible to vote!

SEE THE FILM LINEUP

Cast your vote for best film and best performance categories

Once you have seen both sets of films, you are now able to vote for best film and best performance categories. Head to the voting booth no later than 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 17th to cast your ballot!

BUY YOUR PASS

Screening Locations and Schedule

Screenings take place in Shreveport and Bossier on Friday, October 16th and Saturday, October 17th.
Pick a screening venue, pick a screening time, and arrive early. Seating is first come, first served.

Robinson Film Center

617 Texas Street, Shreveport

The premier venue for the Louisiana Film Prize, Robinson Film Center features a high quality cinema experience with digital cinema projection and surround sound, concessions, bar, restaurant, and comfortable stadium seating.

Get Directions

Robinson Screening Times

Coming Soon!

Friday, October 17
9:00 a.m – Orange Slate
11:35 a.m. – Teal Slate
2:10 p.m. – Orange Slate
4:45 p.m. – Teal Slate
7:20 p.m. – Orange Slate
9:55 p.m. – Teal Slate

Saturday, October 18
9:00 a.m – Teal Slate
11:35 a.m. – Orange Slate
2:10 p.m. – Teal Slate
4:45 p.m. – Orange Slate
7:20 p.m. – Teal Slate
9:55 p.m. – Orange Slate

Capri Theater

620 Milam Street, Shreveport

The Capri is back! This historic venue is the original Saenger brothers theater before they built The Strand Theater. It features both floor seating and elevated balcony seating. There is also a concessions stand featuring popcorn, drinks, candy, and a full bar!

Get Directions

Capri Screening Times

Coming Soon!

Friday, October 17
9:10 a.m – Orange Slate
11:45 a.m. – Teal Slate
2:20 p.m. – Orange Slate
4:55 p.m. – Teal Slate
7:30 p.m. – Orange Slate
10:05 p.m. – Teal Slate

Saturday, October 18
9:10 a.m – Teal Slate
11:45 a.m. – Orange Slate
2:20 p.m. – Teal Slate
4:55 p.m. – Orange Slate
7:30 p.m. – Teal Slate
10:05 p.m. – Orange Slate

Central ARTstation

801 Crockett Street, Shreveport

This black-box theatre on the ground floor of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council features full HD projection, stadium seating, and a punchy 2.1 stereo and subwoofer sound system. You may also buy or pick up passes at this location and cast your votes!

Get Directions

ARTstation Screening Times

Coming Soon!

Friday, October 17
9:15 a.m. – Teal Slate
11:40 a.m. – Orange Slate
2:05 p.m. – Teal Slate
4:30 p.m. – Orange Slate
6:55 p.m. – Teal Slate

Saturday, October 18
9:15 a.m. – Orange Slate
11:40 a.m. – Teal Slate
2:05 p.m. – Orange Slate
4:30 p.m. – Teal Slate
6:55 p.m. – Orange Slate

Bossier Parish Community College Theater

6220 E Texas St, Building C, Bossier City

This large, 300-seat theatre space features full HD projection, stadium seating, and stereo sound. You may also buy or pick up passes at this location and cast your votes!

Get Directions

BPCC Screening Times

Coming Soon!

Friday, October 17
11:00 a.m. – Teal Slate
1:30 p.m. – Orange Slate
4:00 p.m. – Teal Slate

Saturday, October 18
11:00 a.m. – Orange Slate
1:30 p.m. – Teal Slate
4:00 p.m. – Orange Slate

The Films at Film Prize

You can learn more about each film by clicking the movie poster or the “Film Details” button.

Abnegation

Directed by

Niko Kochalidze

Film Synopsis

In a world irreversibly damaged by Al data centers, a couple is forced to rely on the very same tool responsible for creating resource scarcity.

Runtime: xx min

WATCH TRAILER

SEE FILM DETAILS

Carolina Blue

Directed by

Mark D. Bonner

Film Synopsis

A 19-year-old woman who’s been postponing her life discovers that her grandpa, who’s running out of time, is doing the exact opposite.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

The Day I Met Aretha Franklin

Directed by

Brian Egland & Carlos Jimenez

Film Synopsis

Two women in a beauty salon transform a playwright’s day before his play world premieres.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Doom Lift

Directed by

David Culotta

Film Synopsis

A human and a puppet find themselves stuck on a ski lift hurdling towards their doom and try desperately to escape their fate.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Fruits of Our Labor

Directed by

Taylor Deville

Film Synopsis

Tensions rise and plans derail when a group of experienced art thieves reluctantly team up with a rookie informant.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Grad Night

Directed by

Travis Bible

Film Synopsis

A graduation tape from the Class of 2001 captures one last night of freedom and the beginning of a relationship that will shape a lifetime.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

The Great White Wolf

Directed by

Zac Cino

Film Synopsis

Stan has been sober for a year, but is accidentally served a cocktail instead of a mocktail during a lunch meeting.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Harvested

Directed by

Justin Livingston

Film Synopsis

After waking up in a motel ice bath with one of his kidneys stolen, a recently graduated medical student sets out on an absurd quest to get his missing organ back.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Hours to Minutes to Seconds

Directed by

Catalina Cielo & Stevie Cavalier

Film Synopsis

A teenager lives with The Clockmaker in a house filled with mysterious creations. When a new friend, Cleo, comes to life, they discover The Clockmaker is not as altruistic as he seems.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Inhumation

Directed by

Austin Gorski

Film Synopsis

After being pronounced dead prematurely, a man afflicted with a rare condition is determined to put his fears to rest – no matter the cost.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

The Jade Stallion

Directed by

Devon Johns

Film Synopsis

A fading manager tries to preserve his authority at a corporate liquor store.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

The King of Time

Directed by

Erinn Hayes

Film Synopsis

An overworked man goes to cabin in the woods hoping to fall into a time loop.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

The Man I Love

Directed by

Kai Tan

Film Synopsis

Every year, on the eve of the 1973 UpStairs Lounge fire in New Orleans, a man returns to the house where his lover who died in the fire still waits to say goodbye all over again.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Max Capacity

Directed by

April Yanko

Film Synopsis

While packing up her family home, a woman and her boyfriend discover her dead dad’s nude centerfold.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Smoke

Directed by

Gian Smith

Film Synopsis

When a powerful political wife kidnaps the young woman she suspects is having an affair with her husband, a tense spring afternoon of weed, whiskey, and psychological warfare spirals into a deadly loyalty test.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Someday They’ll Go Down Together

Directed by

Taylor Bracewell

Film Synopsis

A young couple lives on the margins, bound together by status, devotion, and a shared defiance of a world that has already written their ending.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Spatial

Directed by

Paul Petersen

Film Synopsis

Henri Beckett, a reclusive, audio field recordist captures a chilling occurrence during one of her ambient sessions.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Stalling

Directed by

Xander Topich

Film Synopsis

Minutes before a job interview, a man with a stubborn case of shy bladder becomes the center of an increasingly surreal restroom spectacle as every well-intentioned attempt to help only makes things worse.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Tannenbaum

Directed by

Matthew Spriggs

Film Synopsis

Jake’s holiday season takes an unexpected turn as he tries his best to give his daughter, ex-wife, and dog a memorable Christmas.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

Winter Wind

Directed by

Heath Hill

Film Synopsis

Following the warning of a mysterious, ghostly stranger, a notorious gang of thieves seeks shelter from a brutal wind storm in the very town they plundered into poverty.

Runtime: xx min

SEE FILM DETAILS

In-Person Screening Slates

The finalist competitors are split into to screenings for convenience.
Each screening slate runs approximately 2.5 hours, including intermission.

Teal Slate

Girl Dad
High Cotton
Hivemind Deluxe
M.R.I. (or, Michael Returns Indefinitely)
Perfect Night
Perpetual Care
Ramon Makes a Movie
Strand
Vultures Prey at the Starlight Motel

Orange Slate

Disorder
Last Minute
Leaving My Mother
The Loneliness of an American Woman
Mentality
The Old Man at the Bar
(OM)EN
On the Seventh Day
The Vivid Imagination of David Thursby
Rug Pull

Grand Prize Winner

Last Minute

Directed by Michael Cusumano

In the days before the Internet, a single mom must scramble to bail out her 12-year-old son when he waits until the night before to start a major homework assignment.

Best Actress

Abby Tozer

The Old Man at the Bar

Two French waiters closing up for the night have their routine upended by a mysterious, old man, who may have shown up for more than just a late-night glass of wine.

Best Actor

Ty Hudson

Girl Dad

Anthony and his daughter Emily spend one day a year getting into all kinds of shenanigans. As the years pass and Emily grows up, Anthony must face the hard truth that being a good father means more than just being the fun one.

Top 5 Finalists

Recognized as the five most voted-for films this year!

Girl Dad

Directed by Rachael Hudson

Last Minute

Directed by Michael Cusumano

M.R.I. (or, Michael Returns Indefinitely)

Directed by John F. Beach

The Old Man at the Bar

Directed by Alexander Jeffery

Rug Pull

Directed by Carlos Jimenez

Founder's Circle Winners

Will a receive $3,000 reimbursable grant toward an entry into Film Prize 2026!

On the Seventh Day

Directed by Kai Tan

Ramón Makes a Movie

Directed by Haley Kirton

Mentality

Directed by Mackenzie Bell

Strand

Directed by Austin Gorski

The Vivid Imagination of David Thursby

Directed by Devon Johns

Watch Online at the Virtual Festival!

The virtual festival will be available Wednesday, October 15th at 11:00 a.m. until midnight on Saturday, October 18th. To vote online, watch all short films below using your Film Prize Virtual Pass from Eventive. Once all films have been watched, your ballot will be unlocked!

Click on the posters to learn more about each film and its filmmakers.
If you are a Virtual Festival Passholder, click “Watch the Film” to begin viewing.

Time Until Virtual Festival Begins

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Best Performance Nominees

Explore the films of the nominees by clicking on their picture.

Vultures Prey at the Starlight Motel

M.R.I. (or, Michael Returns Indefinitely)

Rug Pull

High Cotton

Perpetual Care

The Loneliness of an American Woman

Strand

Perfect Night

Mentality

Girl Dad

Disorder

Ramón Makes a Movie

Hivemind Deluxe

(om)en

The Vivid Imagination of David Thursby

Leaving My Mother

Last Minute

On the Seventh Day

The Old Man at the Bar

Meet the Mentor Judges

Who are the mentors that will help select this year’s winners?

Kevin Arbouet

Kevin is a writer, director, and producer recognized for expanding diversity in filmmaking. A former VP of Lee Daniels Entertainment, he was named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch.” His recent credits include directing Toxic Harmony (Fox Studios, 2024) and Gridiron Grind (IMDB’s Best of 2023). He is co-writing Cash Money with Terry Rossio, developing Killer Bee, and previously showran the Audible podcast MOVE, narrated by Black Thought.

Sharon Badal

Sharon is the former VP of Programming for Tribeca, where she oversaw short films for the festival’s Academy Award–qualifying competitions and collaborated on initiatives, projects, and events. She previously spent a decade in distribution and marketing at major studios and gained extensive live-event producing experience. A Distinguished Teacher at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she is also the author of Swimming Upstream – A Lifesaving Guide to Short Film Distribution (Focal Press).

Jessica Daniels

Jessica Daniels, CSA, is an Emmy and Artios Award–winning casting director recognized for her work in both film and television. A former VP of Casting at Disney Television Studios, her credits include 30 Rock, Single Drunk Female, and The Carrie Diaries, as well as acclaimed films such as The Miseducation of Cameron Post, Selah & the Spades, and The Forty-Year-Old Version. She is celebrated for discovering authentic voices and championing character-driven storytelling.

Colette Freedman

Colette is a screenwriter, novelist, and playwright. She wrote the film, And Then There Was Eve, and co-produced Quality Problems, which won several film festivals. Her film Miles Underwater is in post-production, and her film 7,000 Miles about Amelia Earhart, is currently on the festival circuit. Currently, her musical Serial Killer Barbie is gearing up for a tour of New Zealand and Mozart the Musical had a sold-out run at Carnegie Hall in March 2023.

Carly Hoogendyk

Carly is an LA-based comedy talent manager and live show producer with Omnipop Talent Group West. She manages multi-hyphenate comedians and edits State of Comedy, a Substack highlighting rising talent across live, digital, film, and animation. Carly began her career at Caveat before working with Authentic Talent and Artists First. Her producing credits include Newcomers and CHERRY, a weekly show at the Public Hotel. Originally from Phoenix, she is a Columbia University alum.

Bhavani Rao

Bhavani is an accomplished producer, writer, leader, lit manager, and storyteller with extensive experience across television, development, and mentorship. She is the founder of South Asian Women in Entertainment (SAWIE), created to amplify South Asian women’s voices in Hollywood and foster authentic representation. Bhavani also co-founded South Asians in Entertainment and South Asians in Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror.

Paul Sloop

Paul has been the lead programmer of short films for the Oscar-qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival since 2002. He is also the Director of Programming for both Film Pittsburgh and the Cordillera International Film Festival in Reno/Tahoe, NV. He is the proud father of seven daughters and one son and lives in Mentor, OH with Sarah, his wonderful wife of over 20 years.

Ben Wiessner

Benjamin is a producer and VP of Sales & Distribution at Vanishing Angle. He was named to Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Indie Film in 2012 as part of Ornana films. He has produced short films with awards at festivals including SXSW and Sundance. In 2018, he co-founded the Short to Feature Filmmaking Lab, and in 2020 he helped launch the Vanishing Angle Post Grant for short filmmakers.

Prize Fest Parties and Special Events

This festival is more than creative competitions, it’s a celebration of community. Join us for these free events throughout the festival.

Film Prize University: Industry Panel Discussions sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development

Free to the public!

Thursday, October 16
11:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Robinson Film Center, 617 Texas Street

Mentor Judges from Film Prize will host panel discussions and Q&As discussing the independent film industry, next steps to grow your filmmaking career, and more. This event is free and open to the public.

Film Prize Red Carpet Event and Party

Free to the public!

Thursday, October 16
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Prize Island, 700 Block of Texas Street

Join the filmmakers and the stars of this year’s Louisiana Film Prize on the red carpet. This event, open to all, will feature photographers, a filmmaker speed date, big toast with special drinks and more, all in the middle of Texas Street in downtown Shreveport.

Red Carpet Afterglow Party

Free to the public!

Thursday, October 16
9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Prize Island, 700 Block of Texas Street

The party doesn’t stop after the red carpet cameras stop clicking! Join us into the night with special drinks, mocktails just steps away from the red carpet!

Prize Fest Friday Night Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party

Free with Festival Badge

Friday, October 17
9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Stray Cat, 222 Travis Street

The Prize Fest After Party goes full NYE— toasts, auld lang syne and a party that won’t quit. Celebrate like it’s almost midnight all night long!

Live DJ at Prize Island

Free to the public!

Saturday, October 18
7:30pm — 9:00pm

Prize Island, 700 Texas Street

Live DJs spin the ones and twos live at Prize Island!

Prize Fest Closing Party

Free with Festival Badge

Saturday, October 18
9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

The Noble Savage, 417 Texas Street

Close out Prize Fest in style with a special closing party event featuring food and drink — both non-alcoholic and alcoholic. You won’t want to miss this event!

Prize Fest "Big Exhale" Closing Toast!

Free with Festival Badge

Saturday, October 18
at 11:00 p.m.

The Noble Savage, 417 Texas Street

Come raise a glass with the biggest, baddest barbaric YAWP ever as we bring home the final night of Prize Fest!

Film Prize 2025 Awards Ceremony

In-Person by Invitation Only

Stream online for free!

Sunday, October 19
10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Find out who won Film Prize 2025 and celebrate an amazing festival year with all of the filmmakers and Prize staff. In-Person attendance is by invitation only, but you can stream online for free here at prizefest.com, on Facebook, and on our YouTube channel!

Golden Lens Photography Competition Sponsored by Bossier Parish Commmunity College

September 27th thru October 19th

This exciting photography competition invites photographers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, to capture the unique essence of Shreveport and Bossier City. Through your lens, we invite you to explore our vibrant community, iconic landmarks, and the spirit of our festivities.

Register to Compete in Film Prize 2024

Submissions are due Tuesday, July 9, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.

Read the complete rules for 2024.

20 Short Films. $50,000 Prize. You're the Judge!

Tune in live to the Film Prize Awards Ceremony!

There ARe Three Ways to Film Prize

General Admission

Film VIP Experience

Virtual Festival

How to Vote For Best Film and Best Performance

Watch all 20 Films at multiple venues in Shreveport and Bossier City

Get your badge punched after each screening as you exit the theater

Cast your vote for best film and best performance categories

Screening Locations and Schedule

Robinson Film Center

Capri Theater

Central ARTstation

Bossier Parish Community College Theater

The Films at Film Prize

In-Person Screening Slates

The finalist competitors are split into to screenings for convenience.Each screening slate runs approximately 2.5 hours, including intermission.

Teal Slate

Orange Slate

Grand Prize Winner

Best Actress

Best Actor

Top 5 Finalists

Girl Dad

Last Minute

M.R.I. (or, Michael Returns Indefinitely)

The Old Man at the Bar

Rug Pull

Founder's Circle Winners

On the Seventh Day

Ramón Makes a Movie

Mentality

Strand

The Vivid Imagination of David Thursby

Watch Online at the Virtual Festival!

Time Until Virtual Festival Begins

Best Performance Nominees

Explore the films of the nominees by clicking on their picture.

Meet the Mentor Judges

Who are the mentors that will help select this year’s winners?

Kevin Arbouet

Sharon Badal

Jessica Daniels

Colette Freedman

Carly Hoogendyk

Bhavani Rao

Paul Sloop

Ben Wiessner

Prize Fest Parties and Special Events

Film Prize University: Industry Panel Discussions sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development

Film Prize Red Carpet Event and Party

Red Carpet Afterglow Party

Prize Fest Friday Night Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party

Live DJ at Prize Island

Prize Fest Closing Party

Prize Fest "Big Exhale" Closing Toast!

Film Prize 2025 Awards Ceremony

Golden Lens Photography Competition Sponsored by Bossier Parish Commmunity College

Register to Compete in Film Prize 2024

Submissions are due Tuesday, July 9, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.

20 Short Films.
$50,000 Prize.
You're the Judge!

The finalist competitors are split into to screenings for convenience.
Each screening slate runs approximately 2.5 hours, including intermission.