SHREVEPORT, LA – Film Prize Junior 2025 festival organized by the Prize Foundation as part of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Artbreak! Festival, showcased 115 student films from 63 schools across Louisiana, including 30 Title One schools. The event culminated in a live Awards Ceremony where over $18,000 in scholarships and media grants were distributed.
Film Prize Junior, the student-focused counterpart to the Louisiana Film Prize, invites middle and high school students statewide to explore filmmaking. Created by Tobias Kallenberg, son of Prize Foundation founder Gregory Kallenberg, the program guides students through screenwriting, production, and marketing, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship.
“This is one of the most ambitious and inspiring programs we get to do,” said Gregory Kallenberg. “Seeing students and teachers celebrate their work at the festival is truly rewarding.”
The festival featured red carpet events, mentorship panels led by industry professionals, and interactive exhibits like Production Island, where students gained hands-on experience with filmmaking equipment. Additionally, a free masterclass for Caddo Parish students provided instruction in the art and science of filmmaking.
The awards ceremony highlighted exceptional talent across categories. In the high school division, *Rated* from Caddo Parish Magnet High School won the Judges’ Choice Award, while *All for the Win* from Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy earned the Audience Choice Award. Both schools received media and equipment grants alongside teacher and student celebration funds.
In the middle school division, *The Link* from Holy Family Homeschooling Group won the Judges’ Choice Award, while *Behind the Ballet* from Southfield School secured the Audience Choice Award. Similar grants and awards were provided to these winners.
Genre-specific accolades were also presented. High school winners included *Death Finds Life* (Best Animation), *Zeke vs. Zeke* (Best Comedy), and *Street Rider* (Best Documentary). Middle school winners included *Crisp Wisp* (Best Animation), *Scurry* and *Ghost Boy* (Best Comedy), and *The Unexpected* (Best Thriller).
The festival also recognized poster design talent. High school winner *Tengo una Idea* from Tara High School and middle school winner *Untied Shoelaces* from St. Joseph’s School received prizes including tech bundles for their schools.
Select films were awarded Founder’s Circle grants to support future projects. High school recipients included *See Me* from Hammond Magnet School, while middle school winners included *Never Give Up* from Fairfield Magnet Elementary.
For those who missed the event, Film Prize Junior will host a Virtual Festival from May 8–15, allowing the public to view and vote for their favorite films online at FilmPrizeJr.com/louisiana.
The Prize Foundation continues to promote economic growth, education, and creative entrepreneurship through initiatives like Film Prize Junior, fostering a new generation of filmmakers in Louisiana.