A Look Into Shreveport’s 2024 Film Prize
Photo By Shelbie Fedd
The 2024 Film Prize short-film festival offered an exciting array of five-to-fifteen-minute short films that spanned multiple genres. From fast-paced comedies like “Sex Date” and “Game Day Ritual” to poetic and grounded dramas like “Blood and Milk,” this year’s selection featured something for everyone. This was my third time attending Film Prize, and like every year, I was in awe of the talent and production quality displayed in the chosen films. I was especially impressed by the breathtaking color grading and cinematography that appeared in multiple films. The film “Trip” directed by Mack Cormier applied masterful lighting techniques that were not unlike the dramatic film looks from HBO’s Euphoria. Both “Baila” and “Chicken Bones” made use of black and white coloring to dramatize place and movement. The sweeping shots and creative camera placement in “Blood and Milk” made it impossible to look away from. In short, these were the best looking entries I’ve ever seen at a Film Prize.
Aside from looking great, there were several stand out stories as well. The, in my opinion, underrated entry “Fast” takes a darkly comedic look at the dangers of toxic fitness-bro culture. “Napoleonic Code,” featuring Centenary alumni Charity Schubert and Josh Talley, delightfully dabbles in absurdity while also portraying a deeply familiar sibling relationship. There were of course some weaker scripts as well as a few lackluster performances. But, despite a few weak moments, I thoroughly enjoyed my viewing experience.
It is no wonder that Film Prize is able to bring in so much talent. The competition boasts the world’s largest cash prize for a short film. Each year, forty entries are shortlisted, and then the twenty finalists are shown through multiple in person and virtual screenings. Film Prize pass holders are able to watch all of the films and then vote for their favorite. The winning filmmakers are granted $50,000 cash. There are also prizes awarded to the top five audience picks, and a handful of films are named Founder’s Circle winners. In order to be eligible to win the $50,000, a film’s principal photography must occur in Caddo Parish. This incentivizes creatives from across the country to invest in Shreveport-Bossier’s art scene. Despite its yearly growth, the Prize Foundation remains connected to its Caddo roots. Love for Louisiana culture and history permeates many of the featured films. The familiarity with which the films speak to their Shreveport audience is refreshing and another feather in the cap of this excellent competition.
My experience at Film Prize was certainly worthwhile and one that I cannot recommend enough. Between film slates I was able to spend some quality time hanging out in downtown Shreveport. I was even able to attend an after party where I got to pick the brains of some of the film makers whose art I had just seen. If you are looking for a fun fall weekend in Shreveport, then attending Film Prize is definitely the way to go!
