The Glittering Film Prize: An Insider's Look

Prize Fest Program 2023

by Ariel Roberson, ShrevePossible

Walking from my downtown Shreveport apartment to the Film Prize event was a breeze. The beautiful Friday morning was a testament to the exciting weekend ahead.

I strolled into a gantlet of “Meet the Filmmaker” tents, where numerous filmmakers were ready to engage with festival-goers and fellow creators. Even though I had already met a few, the atmosphere was still exhilarating.

Meet the Filmmakers tent Photo credit: Geno Munds

After getting a coffee at Rhino Coffee, I embarked on my journey to watch the 9 a.m. showing of the Orange Slate at the Robinson Film Center. The line was full of people dressed to impress.

With my coffee in hand (black with three sugars), a PrizeFest volunteer approached the line, offering an “adult Capri Sun.” The colors were enticing, but I left the early morning adult beverages to the more experienced brunch-goers.

Courtesy of Robinson Film Center Facebook

As we waited in line, a man perused the Prize Fest program, scouting the Film Prize entries. I made a mental note when he praised Eric Gibson with “Oh, Eric Gibson, he’s a good one”.

The line began to move, and the Robinson Film Center felt new again. I had spent many hours there growing up, but this experience was different. We flooded into the largest theater, and I managed to secure a seat in the middle, next to a friendly-looking man. I said, “Hi, we’re going to sit together.” He responded, “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Robinson Film Center Photo Credit: Henrietta Wildsmith; The Times

An angelic volunteer shared the rules for “how to Film Prize”:

Don’t leave until intermission (which is 10 minutes).
Snacks are provided in the theater.
Each slate consists of 9 or 10 films.
Each slate plays 5 films, then an intermission, followed by the next five films.
Get your pass punched after each slate to be eligible to vote.

After some small talk with my neighbor, who turned out to be Film Prize judge Kevin Arbouet. RFC Executive Director, Wendell Riley then offered his welcome and thanks before the slate began.

I won’t give away any spoilers, but I will say that each film was outstanding in its own right. If you didn’t like one aspect of a film, there were plenty of other things to enjoy, from the lighting and visuals to the comedic or dramatic writing and the unique, never-before-seen concepts. Choosing the right neighbor can also influence your experience.

I left the Robinson Film Center to watch the other slate, the Teal Slate. I encountered happy faces and overheard intellectual conversations about filmmaking and upcoming projects.

Cooper’s Corner and Rhino were both illuminated with new signs. Guests were flowing in and out of the VIP lounge at ArtSpace. Following the “Viva!” signs led me to the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Central Art Station, which had a more intimate, artistic vibe. It featured a comfy lounge area to sit, enjoy art, and have a conversation before the Teal Slate began. As I sat with the program to preview the films I was about to watch, I noticed the mini bar. It was essential to enjoy a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, as the Teal Slate was a mix of drama and comedy.

The black box theater and stadium-style seating made for easy viewing. Exiting the theater, I was caught up in a whirlwind of emotions, but I knew exactly who to vote for.

My final destination was 601 Texas Street. Bossier Arts Council offered a venue across the river in Bossier City, but I chose a downtown approach to Film Prize. I walked back up Common Street and onto Texas Street, straight through a rush of energy emanating from Prize Island, all while getting a perfect suntan from the seemingly summer sun.

When I arrived at 601 Texas Street, I was one of seven audience members. But I enjoyed the atmosphere in the currently unoccupied building. It felt like stepping into an old mansion or townhouse, with the smell of wood and concrete. I rewatched both slates and gained a new perspective on each. Maybe it was the environment, or maybe it was my third time viewing each film. Whatever the reason, I was able to focus more.

Film Prize began early Saturday with a panel of Prize judges sharing their experiences producing, creating, and judging films. Each judge was cool and down-to-earth. One judge, my friendly theatrical neighbor Kevin Arbouet, even called his mom to have the room full of filmmakers wish her a Happy Birthday. Most of the judges were well-acquainted with one another and came from the acting world, making them very energetic.

I learned a lot about the different facets of being in front of and behind the camera. The judges reminded aspiring filmmakers in the audience about the prevalence of scams and encouraged them to do research to stay safe when entering competitions. We also learned about the tax credits available for filming in Louisiana.

After absorbing this wealth of information, I headed over to Prize Island and had many conversations with familiar and new faces. I eventually obtained a VIP pass.

It didn’t take long to realize that VIP was the best way to enjoy Film Prize. Stepping into the VIP lounge was like entering a private party, complete with snacks, drinks, and catering. Most importantly, the atmosphere was different; it provided a safe space for open conversation and celebrated the richness of creativity.

After a few “swamp waters” (tequila and topo chico), I was ready to vote. I walked to Cooper’s Corner and submitted my ballot, choosing my top three films and top three best acting performances. It was satisfying to know that I played a role in choosing the $50,000 grand prize winner.

Stray Cats hosted the day’s finale, known as the Heaven and Hell party, featuring the Exhale Toast (SHOTS!). It was a time to let loose and party with the best of the best. Again, the VIP area felt very exclusive, as did the speakeasy-vibed garden in Stray Cats.

Film Prize concluded with a brunch on Sunday at 10 a.m. at Remington Garage. This sit-down, catered brunch united new friends from the weekend in anticipation of the announcement of this year’s winning films. Gregory and Heidi Kallenberg, the founders of Prize Fest, and the Prize Fest team knew how to throw a party and build dramatic tension. The preface seemed to last for an hour and a half and included the Top Five films, all of which were well-deserved.

Finally, the moment arrived. The Candy Lady sweeped the grand prize having been named the winner of a $25,000 prize for the top film with director, Monique Morton Derouselle; a Shreveport native.

Actor, Cheryl Shelton of The Candy Lady won best performance.

Monique Morton Derouselle winning best film. Photo Credit: Henrietta Wildsmith; Shreveport Times

Cheryl Shelton winning for best performance. Photo Credit: Henrietta Wildsmith; Shreveport Times

The Grand Prize of $50,000 would have been awarded had the Candy Lady shot their film in Caddo Parish.

The final bit of Film Prize fun concluded at the Remington Suite Hotel and Spa. Numbers and social media accounts were exchanged, and the hugs and laughs subsided as Film Prize came to an end, and all who attended welcomed a well-deserved Prize Fest rest.

Film Prize is one element of the larger Prize Fest, a Shreveport celebration of creativity and culture that includes feature film, music, food, fashion, and comedy. I chose to spotlight Film Prize because it is the original festival that started it all.

Here’s to Film Prize 2024! ¡Viva!