FILM PRIZE

The Original Prize Competition

Our vision for a better community started with creating a competition with the largest cash prize for a short film on Earth. To compete, filmmakers can make their film in Louisiana where they can win up to $25,000. If they film in Caddo Parish, however, they can win $50,000. Twenty films are selected and screened at Prize Fest where the audience and a panel of judges select the winner. The Top 5 films receive a grant which helps them fund entry fees into more festival, and select filmmakers receive grants toward their next Film Prize project.

This formula has resulted in the creation of over 1,000 short film projects equating to well over 100 feature films of content. These filmmakers have gone on to win awards and praise at other nationally-recognized festivals and even become Oscar® qualified.

PROGRAM STATS

• Over 1,000 teams since 2012.

• Equivalent of 122 independent feature films of runtime.

• $25M in economic impact.

• 9 filmmakers relocated to SBC.

• Gender parity achieved.

2022 STATS

• Film Prize University industry mentorship event tied for record attendance.

• Over 4,000 in attendance for Film Prize in-person and online.

• Named a MovieMaker Magazine Best Short Film Festival in the World.

Incentivizing Production And Engagement

Sometimes an incentive is all someone needs to step outside of their comfort zone and take a chance to do something amazing. Our cash prize — the largest cash prize for a short film in the world — is an incredible motivator to Film Creatives and ensures that we are able to discover hidden local talent and attract outside competitors to our community.

BUILDING A LASTING, SUSTAINABLE FILM COMMUNITY

Film Prize has done more than just attract Creative Entrepreneurs to make their films in Northwest Louisiana, the endeavor has helped these men and women find a home here. We’re incredibly proud that filmmakers from Austin, Atlanta, Arkansas and beyond have moved to Shreveport and Bossier City because the Prize has shown them the beauty and spirit of our city.

Connecting Filmmakers With Industry Pros

It’s called Show Business, not Show Art. We believe that arts and culture are economic tools not only for the Creatives but the entire product pipeline — from conceptual development to production and exhibition. We connect our filmmakers and their teams with industry experts and critics to ensure they have access to the information that will help them refine and market their craft.