Ready your cameras, Ark-La-Tex! This is your year to win $50,000.

A new year is upon us. With it comes new possibilities and opportunities. More importantly, 2017 brings another chance for you to take home $50,000 with Louisiana Film Prize. The rules are simple; shoot a short film in Northwest Louisiana. That's it!

And it all begins January 12.

Louisiana Film Prize, in its sixth year, will host its annual launch party at Robinson Film Center in downtown Shreveport from 6 to 9 p.m. As always, the team is planning numerous surprises for its competitors and fans alike. This event is free and open to the public. You can RSVP here.

If you're unfamiliar with Louisiana Film Prize, you are missing out. This is one of the largest cash prizes awarded to a short film in the world. Filmmakers from all over the country flock to Northwest Louisiana to shoot a short film. Last year, more than 150 films were submitted. From there the field is narrowed down to 20 short films selected by film industry professionals. These 20 films are then screened at the Louisiana Film Prize Festival which takes place in the fall.

This is where it really gets fun!

For three days, downtown Shreveport is transformed into festival headquarters with attendees from all over. Once someone has seen all 20 films, they can then vote on their favorite films, along with favorite actor and actress. The winning film is determined the public vote, which counts for 50 percent, and the decision of celebrity judges.

So, if you have a nag for filmmaking or watching film, we'll see you at the launch party on January 12.

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