Shreveport, LA – Film Prize Junior 2024 concluded with a resounding success, having shattered its previous attendance record and awarded over $18,000 in scholarships and media grants during its live broadcasted Awards Ceremony. The festival, a part of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Artbreak! Festival, showcased a record-breaking 96 films from 54 schools across Louisiana, with a significant representation from Title One schools.
Film Prize Junior, the brainchild of Tobias Kallenberg, son of Film Prize founder Gregory Kallenberg, aims to engage high school and middle school students in the art of filmmaking and creative entrepreneurship. Gregory Kallenberg, Executive Director and Founder of the Prize Foundation, expressed immense pride in witnessing the enthusiasm and creativity of the student filmmakers and their educators.
The festival provided a platform not only for film screenings but also for mentorship panels, interactive exhibits, and a free filmmaking masterclass. Participants had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, learn about various aspects of filmmaking, and hone their skills through hands-on experiences.
This year’s festival also introduced a poster design contest, sponsored by Troubled Muse Studios, adding another dimension to the students’ creative expression.
During the Awards Ceremony, accolades were bestowed upon the winners across various categories. Briar Jo from Dutchtown High School clinched the Judges’ Choice Award in the high school division, while Caddo Middle Magnet’s “Struggle Bus” secured the Audience Choice Award in the middle school division.
Additionally, films were recognized for excellence in specific genres, with standout entries hailed for their storytelling and technical prowess. The festival also honored outstanding poster designs, with each winning student receiving a certificate and a tech bundle for their school.
Notably, select films received the prestigious Founder’s Circle award, providing grants to schools for creating films in the subsequent year’s festival. These awards underscore the commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering creativity within the community.
For those eager to experience the cinematic achievements of these young filmmakers, the films are available for viewing on the Film Prize Junior website.
As Film Prize Junior continues to inspire and empower the next generation of filmmakers, the Prize Foundation remains dedicated to its mission of promoting economic growth, workforce development, and creative entrepreneurship in Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana. Through initiatives like Film Prize Junior, the foundation continues to cultivate a vibrant cultural landscape and foster a spirit of innovation and collaboration among youth.
