Louisiana Film Prize is kicking off its 11th year in 2022 and returns with the ability for competing filmmakers to win up to $50,000. Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit a short film—5 to 15 minutes in length—with a requirement being that the film is shot in the state of Louisiana. If the winning film is shot in Caddo Parish, the filmmaker is eligible for $50,000. If the film is shot elsewhere in Louisiana, the winning filmmaker may receive $25,000. Both prizes have the reputation of being the top two cash prizes in the world for a narrative short film.

“Moving the Film Prize back up to $50,000 is huge for our community,” said Gregory Kallenberg, executive director of the Prize Foundation. “We are already seeing independent filmmakers sign up, and we can’t wait to continue our work of making Caddo Parish an indie film mecca.”

Film Prize will be hosting its kickoff and networking event on Thursday, January 27, 6 p.m., at Central Artstation, 801 Crockett Street in downtown Shreveport. In addition to the formal announcement of the competition rules and deadlines, Film Prize will be offering all registered filmmakers the chance to win one of three $1,000 filmmaking grants if they commit to making their film in Caddo Parish. Filmmakers, cast and crew will also have the ability to network with other creatives and fans of the Film Prize. The event is free and open to the public. Proof of vaccination and masks will be required for entry.

“The response we have seen from filmmakers across Louisiana and the country just over the last few weeks has been astounding,” said Chris Lyon, director of the Film Prize. “That tells me that this year’s Film Prize is going to be something truly special. We look forward to watching these filmmakers add to the success of the first ten 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.”

Film submissions are due July 12, 2022. The top 20 finalists will be announced August 9, 2022.

The top twenty films that have been submitted will screened for audiences and judges at Prize Fest in Shreveport from Oct. 13-23. The winner is chosen based on the voting from those two factions.

For complete rules and submission information, visit prizefest.com.