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 2026 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.

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. PLOTLiNE Scriptwriting People's Choice Award

3. AARP Soar Award. This award honors a work submitted by someone 50+. This award is subject to AARP's partnership with the festival.

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 2nd 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 was submitted through FilmFreeway to the desired category or categories.
Level 2: SELECTED - Film/Project is eligible for next round of judging.
Level 3: NOMINATED - Film/Project is eligible for a "Best of" Award.
Level 4: AWARDED - Film/Project won its respective "Best of" category or categories.
HONORABLE MENTION - Film/Project that received the 2nd highest rating within
each "Best of" category.

31 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Max Blaska

    I am so glad that I was able to come down to Jackson MS for this festival. Great films and great people. Maximus Wright is a visionary and I was honored to meet him and Candace and all the people involved.

    This is a purpose lead film festival and if you have a chance to go, I would reccomend it.

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Carl Gayden

    Thoroughly enjoyed it; congratulations to all the winners.

    August 2025
    Helpful
  • Kaylyn Jones

    The JXN Film Festival was an amazing experience. It supportive, inspiring, and full of creative energy.

    Grateful to be part of a festival that truly uplifts filmmakers! Highly recommend!

    August 2025
    Helpful
  • John Sutherlin

    Very good regional film festival. Some opportunities to meet and network.

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • Darrell Reese Jr.

    I had an amazing time at the JXN Film Festival — the atmosphere, organization, and community were all top-notch. It was an incredible experience to see so many talented filmmakers come together and share their work. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to come back!

    July 2025
    Helpful