We get so many thoughtful questions about Film Prize each year that we thought we would gather those here and do our best to give you answers in advance of registration.
This page is only meant to address surface-level questions. Complete rules may be found at prizefest.com/film/rules.
If you have further questions or need clarification, contact Chris Lyon: chris@prize.foundation.
Film Prize is a short-film competition that awards one of the largest cash prizes for a short film—up to $50,000.
Not unlike 48 hour film festivals, Film Prize requires that submissions adhere to a set of entry criteria (including runtime and production geography), but instead of days, filmmakers have one year to complete their projects, rolling from July to July each year.
Film Prize’s primary focus, however, is not just in inspiring filmmakers to make their net project. It is also in connecting filmmakers and building a lasting film community across the country. Though the requirements stipulate production in Louisiana, filmmakers come from all over and form bonds that stand the test of time.
The entire festival is designed around this mission and is “filmmaker forward” in all of its events and festivities.
Films must be between 5 and 15 minutes long, including credits. Credits may be up to 30 seconds in length and count toward your total runtime. Credits includes any opening and/or closing credits. Films may not exceed the time limit by any seconds or frames.
The competition focuses on scripted live-action short films of any genre. Animation or documentary entries are not eligible for Film Prize. Films that are pornographic in nature are also ineligible for entry.
Fully-animated sequences are allowed in your live-action film, but they must be no more than 10% of your total runtime. Sequences that include both live action and animated elements are considered eligible for the principal photography requirement.
All genres are accepted at Film Prize with the exception of Animation and Documentary. Films may contain animation elements or sequences, but at least 90% of the film’s runtime must be live-action with production taking place in an eligible geography.
Yes. All finalist films must receive their festival premiere at Film Prize. Films cannot have screened publicly (including online or at other festivals) before their Film Prize premiere.
*The only exception to this rule is for students who must to show their film in an educational setting or an on-campus festival as a part of their academic requirements. However, after fulfilling their academic requirements, the film must adhere to the premiere status to be eligible for Film Prize.
Filmmakers must complete the Filmmaker Portal, providing all required documentation such as proof of filming eligibility, production dates, and other qualifying evidence along with other materials such as a logline, cast and crew lists, movie still frames, behind the scenes photos, posters, etc. A full list of these items is available at prizefest.com/film/rules.
Filmmakers must submit third party verifiable, time date and location-stamped proof of filming within the required window. Items can include, but are not limited to: signed location agreements, insurance certificates, other receipts including meals, rentals, travel, and accommodations, signed cast and crew deal memos. Filmmakers may also submit date time and location-stamped photos from set. A full list of these items is available at prizefest.com/film/rules.
Yes, students can submit their film projects to Film Prize. However, Prize Foundation does have a student-specific competition for those in Middle and High School called Film Prize Junior (filmprizejr.com/louisiana). If you are not sure you’re ready to compete at the Film Prize senior level, consider joining Film Prize Junior instead.
Yes. Filmmakers from anywhere in the world may enter as long as they meet the filming and documentation requirements. If you win any cash awards, you will be required to submit the appropriate tax paperwork to claim your winnings.
All films must meet the geography requirements for principal photography. There are two eligibility categories for on-location filming:
Other elements, including establishing shots, pickups, short scenes, and animation sequences may be filmed outside of these geography requirements, but may only make up 10% of the total runtime of your submission.
Yes. Up to 10% of your film’s total runtime may be shot outside of the eligible filming zone.
You may still submit, but your film will be considered for a smaller cash award tier of $25,000 instead of the full $50,000 cash award. You will still be eligible for all other awards and recognitions.
While Film Prize does not require a permit, the location you film may require one and varies from location to location.
In Caddo and Bossier Parish, filming on public property requires a free permit and appropriate insurance. Filming on private property does not require a permit. https://shreveport-bossierfilm.com/
Please contact the appropriate authorities for your location to inquire about requirements.
Yes. Film Prize maintains an active local film community in and around Shreveport, Louisiana, with many experienced crew members, actors, and support services available to help productions.
Registered filmmakers gain access to local resource guides and can connect with production professionals through Film Prize networking events, partner organizations, and online listings. Filmmakers are encouraged to hire locally whenever possible to strengthen the regional film industry and take advantage of the strong support network built around the competition.
Outside of the greater Shreveport area there are resources such as:
All films must be delivered to our offices (in-person or mailed, NO DIGITAL DELIVERY FOR FILMS) and their film documentation must be entered into the Filmmaker Portal (https://prizefest.com/film/portal) by July 7, 2026.
After submission, all films are reviewed for compliance with Film Prize rules. Those that meet the qualification criteria are evaluated by a selection committee made up of nationally recognized filmmakers, writers, producers, professional film viewers, and other artists. This committee includes dozens of reviewers who watch every qualifying film and complete a detailed points rubric that considers story, writing, acting, direction, cinematography, music, sound, and other creative elements. Each reviewer’s scores are weighted and combined to produce a final point total for every film. The Top 20 films with the highest overall scores are then invited to participate in Film Prize each year.
Each finalist film is awarded:
Beyond the eligibility for the cash prizes, awards, and grants, finalists gain significant exposure to industry professionals, press coverage, networking opportunities, and access to a growing community of filmmakers. Several of the mentors that attend Film Prize each year are programmers for other festivals, meaning you have direct access to potential future screening opportunities.
Whether or not your film is selected or appears at Film Prize, it remains your property. You are free to screen, distribute, or submit your film to other festivals and platforms in any way you choose once the Film Prize premiere requirement has been fulfilled. Whatever you do, don’t let it sit in a drawer — your audience is out there!
Winners are chosen through a combination of audience vote and judges’ scores. Both groups watch all finalist films during the festival (viewed online or in-person), and their combined votes determine the grand prize. Each attendee and judge must watch all 20 finalist films in order to cast a ballot. Each ballot contains points for a voter’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place choice.
Attendance is strongly encouraged, as filmmaker participation is part of the event experience and the value gained by submitting to Film Prize. If you can’t attend, a representative should be present to maintain eligibility and ensure your film’s screening and Q&A participation.