Five days of creative competition, original work and emerging talent
came to a close Sunday, Oct. 18, as Prize Fest 2026 wrapped up in downtown Shreveport. The
annual festival brought audiences face-to-face with the next generation of filmmakers,
musicians, chefs, comedians and photographers, drawing thousands of attendees and selling
out multiple events throughout the weekend.
From the Louisiana Film Prize’s showcase of original short films to culinary showdowns and
performances from rising artists, Prize Fest offered audiences an opportunity to discover new
talent while celebrating the creativity and spirit that make Shreveport unique.
“I think this year’s success was based on the highest level of talent we’ve ever seen at Prize
Fest,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Founder of Prize Fest. “And that talent attracted a national
audience to Shreveport to celebrate this work. It was an amazing event this year!”
Louisiana Film Prize
The Louisiana Film Prize 2026 Grand Prize Winner is “Spatial,” directed by Paul Petersen. The
film is a sound-forward story that follows Henri Beckett, a reclusive, audio field recordist who
captures a chilling occurrence during one of her ambient sessions. Petersen received the grand
prize of $50,000.
“‘Spatial’ is the first horror thriller to win Film Prize,” said Kallenberg. “Also, with local filmmaker
Paul Petersen winning the world’s largest cash prize for a short film, the Film Prize trophy, which
was won by a New York filmmaker last year, is now back in Shreveport!”
The Louisiana Film Prize brought together filmmakers from across the country to tell original
stories through short films produced entirely in Louisiana. Since its inception, the program has
helped launch thousands of short films and generated millions of dollars in local economic
impact, bringing productions, talent and creative investment to the state.
This year’s competition featured 20 finalist films, divided into two slates of 10. To cast a vote,
audience members were required to watch both slates in their entirety. The winner was
determined through the Film Prize’s signature 50/50 voting system, combining audience votes
with evaluations from a panel of industry judges from across the country.
Additional honors recognized the Top 5 films and outstanding performances. The Top 5 Films, in
no particular order were “Grad Night” directed by Travis Bible, “Hours to Minutes to Seconds” directed by Catalina Cielo & Stevie Cavalier, “The King of Time” directed by Erinn Hayes, “Someday They’ll Go Down Together” directed by Taylor Bracewell & JC Doler, and “Spatial”
directed by Paul Petersen.
Best Actor was awarded to Brian Dietzen for “The King of Time” and Best Actress went to Anne
Brown Petersen for “Spatial.”
The Prize Foundation also recognized recipients of the Founder’s Circle Grants, which support
filmmakers returning to Louisiana to produce future Louisiana Film Prize entries. Selected by
the Film Prize Mentor Judges, each grant provides $3,000 in reimbursable funding.
This year’s recipients were: “The Day I Met Aretha Franklin” directed by Brian Egland & Carlos
Jimenez, “Hours to Minutes to Seconds” directed by Catalina Cielo & Stevie Cavalier, “Fruits of
Our Labor” directed by Taylor Deville, and “Someday They’ll Go Down Together” directed by
Taylor Bracewell & JC Doler.
Food Prize
Food Prize put Shreveport’s culinary talent on display through a series of events celebrating
local chefs and nationally recognized culinary personalities.
Come & Get It brought six local Golden Fork chef finalists together with six celebrity chefs for an
evening of original dishes and collaborative cooking. Each team developed a tasting experience
for attendees and judges. The three finalists chosen to move on to the Battle for the Golden
Fork were: Jacob Mouser of Chop Shop, Lalo de los Santos of El Cabo Verde, and Darrielle
Stephens of BPCC Culinary Arts.
The evening also featured the Golden Shaker competition, where six mixologists competed with
original cocktails and mocktails. Chase Boytim of Fatty Arbuckles took home the 2026 Golden
Shaker title with “Better Than Cornbread,” a cocktail featuring cornbread-infused spiced rum,
brown butter syrup, and barbequed pineapple.
Food Prize continued with the Battle for the Golden Fork, a live, Chopped-style cook-off that
challenged the three finalist chefs to create dishes from a mystery basket of ingredients. After
competing before a live audience, Jacob Mouser was named the 2026 Golden Fork Champion
and awarded $5,000.
The Celebrity Chef BBQ added another major gathering to the weekend, bringing barbecue
talent and local culinary favorites together for an afternoon of smoked meats, Southern sides
and community. Led by Lewis “Sweet Lew” Donald, the event welcomed food lovers to
downtown Shreveport for a celebration of barbecue and Louisiana hospitality.
Music Prize
Music Prize brought 11 acts from across the country to downtown Shreveport for two nights of
live performances and competition for the $10,000 grand prize. The lineup spanned soul, rock,
Americana, country, R&B and more, giving audiences the chance to discover emerging artists
before their next big break.
After performances before festival audiences and a panel of music industry professionals, J.
Isaiah Evans & the Boss Tweed was named the Music Prize 2026 Grand Prize Winner, taking
home $10,000. Dezi 5 earned second place, and Rococo Disco and Jesse Rawlinson tied for
third.
The Audience Choice Award and $1,000 went to Parker Woodland.
Comedy Prize
Comedy Prize returned with eight on-the-cusp comedians competing for the opportunity to stand
out in front of live audiences and comedy industry professionals. Each performer took the stage
with an original stand-up set, bringing a range of comedic styles and perspectives to the
competition.
Rachel Williams was crowned the Comedy Prize 2026 Grand Prize Winner and awarded
$2,500.
Photo Prize
Photographers from across the region turned their lenses on the Shreveport-Bossier area,
showcasing their work at the Photo Prize exhibition during Prize Fest at Bossier Parish
Community College.
Finalists competed for the $1,000 Golden Lens Grand Prize, while attendees cast their votes all
weekend for the $500 People’s Choice Award. Winners to be announced at the award
ceremony on Monday, Oct. 19.
That’s A Wrap
Prize Fest brings together multiple creative disciplines under one roof, connecting emerging
talent with audiences, industry professionals and new opportunities. Beyond the competitions,
the festival encourages visitors to explore downtown Shreveport, support local businesses, and
contribute to the region’s cultural and economic vitality.
The festival is part of the Prize Foundation’s broader work to activate communities, create
opportunities for emerging talent, and transform the creative landscape through competition and
mentorship. Through programs spanning film, food, music, comedy, and photography, the
foundation continues to build connections between creative professionals and the communities
that support them.