The 11th annual Louisiana Film Prize is returning with the ability for competing filmmakers to win up to $50,000.
Short films from 5 to 15 minutes in length and from filmmakers around the world are invited to compete, with the main requirement being that the films are shot in Louisiana. If the winning film is shot in Caddo Parish, the winner will receive $50,000, the largest cash prize in the world for a short narrative film. If the film is shot in any other parish in Louisiana, the filmmaker will win $25,000, the second largest cash prize for a short film.
In an industry where work and independent filmmakers work is overlooked, these prizes are huge. The prize foundation is hoping to drive up filming in Caddo Parish and other parts of Louisiana with these incentives.
On Thursday, January 27 at 6 p.m. at the Central Artstation in Shreveport, the Louisiana Film Prize will be hosting its kickoff and networking event, which is free and open to the public. Filmmakers, cast, and crew will also have the ability to network with other creatives and fans of the Prize. While there will be a formal announcement of the competition rules and deadlines, the Louisiana Film Prize will also be offering all registered filmmakers three $1000 grants if they commit to making their film in Caddo Parish. Proof of vaccination cards and masks will be required to attend.
Film Prize Director Chris Lyon seemed excited already due to filmmakers' responses in the last few weeks. Lyon said in a press release, "We look forward to watching these filmmakers add to the success of the first 10 years of Film Prize by coming to our state and our community to tell amazing stories which the public will get to see at Prize Fest come October." Prize Fest will take place October 13-23, 2022.
Registration and film submissions are due July 12, 2022. The top 20 Film Prize finalists will be announced August 9, 2022. The top 20 finalist films will then be screened to judges and audiences during Prize Fest. A winner will be chosen based on voting from those two factions.
For full rules, regulations, and to
register, visit prizefest.com.
