SHREVEPORT, La. — The Prize Foundation has announced the 20 finalists for the Louisiana Film Prize 2025, selected from what organizers called the strongest pool of entries in the event’s history.

“This Film Prize will be the best ever, and it’s an honor to be a catalyst for such astounding work from indie filmmakers from all over the country,” said Gregory Kallenberg, founder of the Louisiana Film Prize and executive director of the Prize Foundation.

The finalists will compete for up to $50,000—the largest cash prize for a narrative short film in the world—during Prize Fest, scheduled for Oct. 15–19 in downtown Shreveport. This year’s winner will also receive a Premiere Package through a new partnership with the Fort Worth Film Commission, which includes a red carpet premiere and a one-week theatrical run in Fort Worth, officially qualifying the film for Academy Award consideration.

The grand prize winner will be determined through a combination of audience voting and evaluations from a panel of film industry professionals. The festival will begin Oct. 16 with a red carpet event, followed by screenings Oct. 17–18 in Shreveport and Bossier City. The Top 20 films will also be available for online viewing and voting. The winner will be announced Oct. 19 at a private awards brunch.

Top 20 Films and Filmmakers for 2025

Abuelo — Directed by Trevor Chapman

Disorder — Directed by Eric Kirton

Girl Dad — Directed by Rachael Hudson

High Cotton — Directed by Melissa Goslin

Hivemind — Directed by Chris Alan Evans

Last Minute — Directed by Michael Cusumano

Leaving My Mother — Directed by Cory Steele

The Loneliness of an American Woman — Directed by Brad Negrotto

Mentality — Directed by Mackenzie Bell

M.R.I. or Michael Remains Indefinitely — Directed by John F. Beach

The Old Man at the Bar — Directed by Alexander Jeffery

(OM)EN — Directed by Mary McDade

On the Seventh Day — Directed by Kai Tan

Perfect Night — Directed by David Michael Long

Perpetual Care — Directed by Katie Royer

Ramon Makes a Movie — Directed by Haley Kirton

Rug Pull — Directed by Carlos Jiminez

Strand — Directed by Austin Gorski

The Vivid Imagination of David Thursby — Directed by Devon Jones

Vultures Prey at the Starlight Motel — Directed by Ben Maner and Ben Mathen

“We are incredibly excited for another year of shining a bright light on indie film,” Kallenberg said. “The coolest part is that our audience will be helping one of these filmmakers become Oscar qualified.”

Now in its 14th year, the Louisiana Film Prize has generated more than $30 million in local economic impact, attracting filmmakers nationwide to shoot in Louisiana. To qualify, films must be 5–15-minute narratives shot in Louisiana, with the top prize doubling to $50,000 if the winning film was made in Caddo Parish. The competition also awards up to five $3,000 Founder’s Circle Grants annually to support future productions.

More information is available at prizefest.com