Statewide Filmmaking Program Becomes National Model for Youth Workforce Development
SHREVEPORT, La. — Film Prize Junior Louisiana, a free, statewide youth filmmaking initiative, has officially shattered its own record, with 115 films submitted from 63 schools and programs across the state for its 2025 competition. Backed by major support from Louisiana Economic Development, the program continues to gain national recognition as a model for experiential learning and workforce development.
Open to middle and high school students, Film Prize Junior teaches the art, science, and business of filmmaking, helping young creatives discover success through hands-on media production. Students work under the guidance of a “Teacher Producer” and receive mentorship and training from professionals throughout the school year—from screenwriting to post-production and marketing.
“Film Prize Junior provides an incredible opportunity for young people to gain confidence, learn important life skills and get on a path to success,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Executive Director of the Prize Foundation and Co-Founder of Film Prize Junior. “I’m super proud of our student filmmakers, our Teacher Producers who helped these young filmmakers make their films, and the team who worked so hard to support the effort.”
All completed films will be screened at Film Prize Junior Fest, held May 2–3 as part of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s ArtBreak! Festival at the Shreveport Convention Center. A formal awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 4.
In addition to film screenings, the festival includes:
- A free industry tradeshow focused on career and workforce opportunities
- Live educational panels
- A poster design competition
- Opportunities for students to market their own films and compete for audience votes
The festival is free and open to the public.
Following the in-person event, a virtual festival will run May 8–15 at FilmPrizeJr.com, where online audiences can read filmmaker press kits and vote for their favorite projects.
Empowering Teachers and Students Statewide
Throughout the year, Film Prize Junior supports educators via a dedicated Learning Management System (LMS) that includes free curricula, instructional videos, webinars, and in-person training. These resources equip Teacher Producers with everything they need to lead student teams through the complete filmmaking process.
As the program continues to grow, it strengthens Louisiana’s creative economy and provides students with early exposure to career pathways in film, media, and digital content creation.
For more information about the program or to get involved, visit www.FilmPrizeJr.com.