Shreveport’s Prize Fest Comes to a Celebrated Close
This past weekend, Shreveport was buzzing with excitement as the much-anticipated Prize Fest wrapped up its four-day celebration of creativity and talent. From October 17 to 20, the festival brought together filmmakers, food lovers, musicians, and enthusiasts from all walks of life to enjoy a rich tapestry of artistic expression.
Film Prize Winner Announced
The highlight of the festival undoubtedly came on Sunday, when the winner of the prestigious Louisiana Film Prize 2024 was announced. Gregory Kallenberg, founder of the Prize Foundation, took to the stage to reveal that the coveted $50,000 award went to “Sex Date,” directed by Mike Nicholas. A light-hearted moment followed when Nicholas joked, “I don’t know if I have the capacity to say anything super serious right now, but I just want to say we got you, Gregory. This was all a plot to make you say, ‘Sex Date.'” It was a joyous moment filled with laughter and genuine excitement.
“Sex Date” tells the story of a married couple attempting to reignite their romance with a scheduled date for intimacy, a concept that resonated with many festival-goers. Notably, Nicholas is no stranger to the Film Prize, having contributed to several past entries like “Funky Butt,” “Stag,” and “The Man from Mars.” In his career, Nicholas has worn many hats, transitioning from acting to producing and co-writing, with hopes of establishing himself as a director.
A Celebration of Talent
This year’s festival showcased a total of 20 films battling for the coveted prize, with every entry reflecting the rich tapestry of talent in the region. In addition to the grand prize winner, seven filmmakers were honored with the Founders Circle award, receiving a $3,000 reimbursable grant to return to Film Prize and create another film. This inclusion highlights the supportive community fostered within Shreveport.
Moriah L. Hicks, honored with the award for best performance, expressed her gratitude by stating, “Thanks to the people, thanks to Film Prize… it allows me to realize that it’s really good that I didn’t give up on myself.” Hicks’ heartfelt words encapsulated the spirit of the event, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the creative field.
Other Recognitions
Additionally, the top five films were awarded $1,000 to help reimburse their festival fees, a fantastic way to encourage filmmakers to keep on pursuing their passion.
Prize Fest: More Than Just Films
But Prize Fest is not just about film; it’s a vibrant celebration that combines food, music, and creativity in the heart of downtown Shreveport. Established 13 years ago with the launch of the Film Prize, the Prize Foundation has been a catalyst for creativity in the community. Their impressive work has resulted in the birth of over 1,000 short films and a remarkable economic impact of over $25 million in Shreveport and Northwest Louisiana.
Each year, the festival attracts a diverse array of attendees, making it a melting pot of ideas and discussions that extend beyond just the films. The atmosphere is electric with creativity, as food trucks serve up delicious bites and musicians fill the air with lively tunes, all while comedians keep the crowd in stitches.
A Bright Future Ahead
With so much talent showcased and connections made at this year’s festival, there’s no doubt that Prize Fest has left a lasting impact. As the lights dimmed and the last applause echoed throughout downtown Shreveport, the community held on to the hope and excitement for what next year’s Prize Fest might bring. So, mark your calendars and join in the festivities, as Shreveport continues to shine bright as a beacon for film and culture!
