The JXN FILM FESTIVAL™ is an in-person event with some virtual options. The week-long celebration of independent filmmaking includes festival screenings, professional development workshops by industry executives, masterclasses in acting, screenwriting and/or directing, networking and community building opportunities, and much more.

The 2025 JXN FILM FESTIVAL™ will be every bit as transformational and edifying as previous editions. We are delighted to offer this platform for emerging and veteran independent artists to showcase their art and to gain invaluable professional wisdom and opportunities.

Awards & Prizes

Judges' Awards:
1. Best of... Each winner in this category receives an award and certificate.
2. Honorable Mention...Honorable Mentions are the runner-ups in each category (Certificate)

Special Awards:
1. The Ezell Sultan People's Choice Award: This award is named for Ezell Sultan, a member of the Jackson film community who died unexpectedly a few months before the first JXN Film Festival. All Level 3 (Nominated) films/projects are eligible and are selected by a community vote.
2. AARP Soar Award. This award honors a work submitted by someone 50+.

Rules & Terms

JXN FILM FESTIVAL
RULES & TERMS

SECTION A
1. All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time submitted.

2. Films must be submitted as an online streaming video via the participating submission platform FilmFreeway.

3. To submit a single project into multiple categories, you must complete a separate submission (and subsequent transaction) for each category of interest.
FOR EXAMPLE: If you want to submit a single project into three separate categories, complete a separate submission and payment transaction for each of the three categories. The system will only allow one submission at a time.

4. There are no more than FOUR nominees per category. If a category does not have a suitable submission, the JXN Film Festival reserves the right to cancel the category.

5. All Submission Fees are non-refundable.

SECTION B
1. The Festival does NOT screen films on Blu-Ray or HD-CAM. If you cannot provide your film as a digital file for exhibition, DO NOT SUBMIT your film. You must permit the JXN Film Festival to Download the film for the exhibition.

2. SELECTED Films will be eligible for the next round of judging at the Festival.

3. SELECTED films with the highest scores will be NOMINATED for the “Best of” in each category.

4. Only films NOMINATED for "Best of" categories will screen during the festival. JXN Film Festival Staff determines other screenings.

5. Filmmakers whose projects are NOMINATED will receive a PROMO CODE valued at the cost of ONE ADMISSION TICKET to the Awards Gala. This does not guarantee your seat unless the code is used by June 15. You may purchase additional tickets for your guests/supporters at the same time.

6. The Festival encourages all submitters and selected filmmakers to purchase tickets to the gala to support the educational outreach of the festival.

SECTION C JUDGING LEVELS
Level 1: SUBMITTED--Film/Project submitted to desired category or categories
Level 2: SELECTED--Film/Project eligible for next round of judging
Level 3: NOMINATED--Film/Project eligible for an Award
Level 4: AWARDED--Film/Project won "Best of" category
Honorable Mentions: Runner-up in each "Best of" category

23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jessica Evans

    Attending the JXN Film Festival in Jackson, MS, 2024, was a delightful experience filled with diverse storytelling and local talent. The festival showcased an impressive lineup of films that highlighted both emerging filmmakers and seasoned artists. The atmosphere was vibrant, with engaging panels and opportunities for networking. Overall, it was a fantastic celebration of cinema that left me inspired and eager for next year's edition.

    October 2024
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  • Tijaha Richardson

    Thank you JXN Film Festival for all the hard work that you all do to make sure Mississippi filmmakers & filmmakers all over the world have a chance to showcase their films to the public. This year was my second time attending as a nominee and I would recommend attending this film festival to others. I hope to be able to attend once again next year!

    October 2024
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  • David Luck

    Words cannot express how amazing the JXN Film Festival is. Maximus Wright, Dr. Candice Love Jackson, Esther Young, and the entire JXN Film Festival Team did an excellent job. I highly recommend this festival to all filmmakers and film lovers.

    August 2024
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  • Harry Waldman

    Thanks for selecting "Bay For Blood" into your festival! I wasn't able to attend the event in person, but was impressed by the prompt and detailed communication throughout. I had a very good experience overall, and will definitely consider submitting future projects to JXN Film Festival.

    August 2024
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  • Talamieka Brice

    This is one of the best festivals in the country!

    August 2024
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