The Film Prize Junior will return April 24-26, bringing hundreds of student filmmakers to Shreveport for a statewide celebration of creativity, storytelling and hands-on learning.
The festival, presented by the Prize Foundation along with Louisiana Economic Development, Noel Foundation and Franks Foundation, will take place as part of the Artbreak Festival at the Shreveport Convention Center.
This year’s program will showcase 115 student films from 64 schools and programs across Louisiana, including 31 Title I schools. Organizers say the participation reflects the program’s mission to ensure access for students statewide. Audiences will have the opportunity to view the films during in-person screenings and vote for their favorite entries in the Audience Choice category.
“We are incredibly proud of all the students and teachers who made this our best year ever,” said Gregory Kallenberg. “Film Prize Junior is helping these kids find their path to success, and I’m appreciative of these kids and their efforts. I’m also appreciative of Team Film Prize Junior who makes this important program possible.”
Film Prize Junior is a no-cost program open to middle and high school students across the state. In addition to the competition, it operates year-round, offering mentorship, workshops and real-world experience in storytelling, production and marketing as students work to attract audience votes for their films.
Festival highlights include Production Island, an interactive exhibit where students can work with professional mentors and explore filmmaking equipment, as well as a Red Carpet event that allows participants to celebrate their work in a festival-style setting. All events for students and teachers are free to attend.
Student filmmakers will also compete for equipment grants for their schools. Awards will be presented April 26, recognizing both middle and high school participants with honors such as Judges’ Choice and Audience Choice, along with Best of Genre awards in animation, comedy, drama, sci-fi/fantasy, thriller and documentary, as well as Best Poster Design. Winners will be announced during a ceremony at the Shreveport Convention Center.
More information is available at FilmPrizeJr.com.
