Gregory Kallenberg, Founder and Executive Director of the Film Prize Foundation, said, “While we had high hopes this year, knowing we were unleashing the one-of-a-kind Film Prize experience on the world in a greater fashion than we ever have before, we never expected these kind of numbers. And we haven’t even reached our half-way point!”
“The Louisiana Film Prize and the winning cash prize has become an ever-growing international draw for burgeoning indie filmmakers around the world. Not even a global pandemic could slow down the enthusiasm and participation for this year’s Film Prize,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Founder and Executive Director of the Film Prize Foundation. “This year will be special because people from around the world will be experience this one-of-a-kind event.”
“There was so much excitement surrounding the competition in 2019 that we wanted to open registration immediately to capitalize on that energy,” said Gregory Kallenberg, founder and executive director of the Film Prize Foundation. “With finalists last year coming from across the country, as well as Australia and London, we also want to ensure that filmmakers have as much time as possible to complete their films.”
“This year was marked by epic growth – more films entered in the competition, another steep climb in audience numbers, our first competing finalists coming from another country, a wider range of genres and styles, and more,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Founder and Executive Director of the Film Prize Foundation. “This record setting year was not only a banner year for the Film Prize, it was also a banner year for independent filmmaking at its highest level.”
“The Memphis Film Prize took a massive leap this year towards our goal of being one of the most important film competitions and essential catalysts for independent film production in the nation,” said Gregory Kallenberg, founder and executive director of the Film Prize Foundation. “We are so proud of our talented filmmakers and of the spirited attendees from this year’s Film Prize, and we are looking forward to coming back next year and being bigger, better, and burning brighter than ever!”
“There are a number of amazing stories behind the scenes that go along with these projects – all shot in Memphis and Shelby County,” said David Merrill, the Memphis Prize Filmmaker Liaison. “That said, with the passion and power of these amazing films, we know this is going to be the best Memphis Film Prize Festival we’ve ever had.”
“This was, by far, our most exciting year – more films entered in the competition, continued growth in the overall quality of filmmaking, and with a majority of female filmmakers among the 20 finalists,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Founder and Executive Director of the Film Prize Foundation. “It was also a year with our largest audience and our closest vote, so Jonnie Stapleton and his cast and crew from ‘Funky Butt’ should be very, very proud of this win.”
Gregory Kallenberg kicks off the Film Prize. This is the way you “baptize” your filmmakers and give them a kick in the pants to start off a fest. He sets the tone of “We’re all in it together, filmmakers, jurors, staff, and film fans – all of us.” If you’re not onboard after Gregory’s opening remarks, the filmmakers first “pitches”, and the legendary Film Prize tequila toast, then it’s possible someone should check your pulse.
The winner of the 3rd annual Memphis Film Prize (www.memphisfilmprize.com) was announced at the event’s traditional celebratory brunch at The Arcade (540 S. Main Street) held on Sunday, August 5th. The Film Prize’s coveted top award of $10,000 cash – judged by a mixture of audience and film industry judges from all over the country – went to LAST DAY directed by Kevin Brooks.
The 10 film finalists for the 3rd annual Memphis Film Prize (August 3-5) have been announced. The Film Prize’s top award of $10,000 cash – judged by both audience members and a group of judges comprised of filmmakers, film critics and journalists, will be awarded to a filmmaker following 3 days of screenings, filmmaker panels, and events in Memphis.
