The Louisiana Bayou Film Festival is a celebration of independent storytelling, creative excellence, and bold cinematic voices. Designed to spotlight emerging and established filmmakers, the festival provides a platform for short films that inspire, challenge, and entertain.
The 1st Annual Louisiana Bayou Film Festival will take place July 31–August 1, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, actors, directors, producers, and film enthusiasts for two days of screenings, networking, and recognition.
The festival is currently accepting short film submissions (10 minutes or less), with $5,000 in total cash prizes awarded to selected films. Submissions open March 1, 2026, with a final deadline of May 31, 2026.
Whether you are a filmmaker looking to showcase your work or a supporter of independent cinema, the Louisiana Bayou Film Festival offers an opportunity to connect, be discovered, and be part of a growing film community rooted in creativity and culture.
Welcome to the Bayou. Where stories rise.
www.louisianabayoufilmfestival.com

Awards & Prizes

The Louisiana Bayou Film Festival proudly recognizes outstanding independent filmmakers through competitive cash prizes and official festival awards. Selected films are evaluated by an industry-experienced judging panel and celebrated for excellence in creativity, storytelling, and production quality.
Award Categories & Cash Prizes
Best Short Film – 1st Place ($2,500 Cash Prize)
Awarded to the film that demonstrates exceptional storytelling, originality, and overall cinematic excellence. This honor represents the highest achievement of the festival.
Best Short Film – 2nd Place ($1,500 Cash Prize)
Presented to a film that excels in narrative strength, creative vision, and technical execution.
Best Short Film – 3rd Place ($500 Cash Prize)
Recognizes a strong and compelling short film that stands out for its creativity and impactful storytelling.
Fan Favorite Award ($500 Cash Prize)
Chosen by live audience voting during festival screenings, this award celebrates the film that connects most powerfully with viewers.
Award Details
All cash prizes are awarded to the submitting filmmaker or designated representative.
Awards are based on the official judging criteria:
Creativity
Storytelling Cohesiveness
Quality
Judges’ decisions are final.

Rules & Terms

By submitting a film to the Louisiana Bayou Film Festival (LBFF), the submitting filmmaker (“Entrant”) agrees to comply with the following rules and terms:
1. Eligibility
Films must be 10 minutes or less, including credits.
Films do not need to be shot in Louisiana.
Films must have been shot between January 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.
All submissions must be original works. Entrants must own or control all rights to the film, including music, footage, images, and performances.
2. Proof of Production
Entrants are required to submit behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos and videos as proof of production.
Additional documentation verifying production dates may be required, including call sheets, production reports, metadata, permits, or a signed affidavit.
Failure to provide valid proof may result in disqualification.
3. Submission Fees
A non-refundable submission fee of $150.00 is required for all entries.
Submission fees do not guarantee selection.
No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
4. Submission Deadline
All films must be submitted by May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
5. Selection & Notification
A maximum of 15 films will be selected for official screening.
Official selections will be notified via email and/or the submission platform.
LBFF reserves the right to make final programming, scheduling, and screening decisions.
6. Trailer Requirement
Officially selected films must submit a 60–90 second trailer within the timeframe specified by the festival.
Trailers will be used for promotional, marketing, and press purposes.
Failure to submit a trailer may limit promotional opportunities.
7. Judging & Awards
Films will be judged based on:
Creativity
Storytelling Cohesiveness
Quality
Judges’ decisions are final and binding.
Cash prizes are subject to applicable taxes; winners are responsible for all tax obligations.
8. Rights & Usage
By submitting, Entrants grant LBFF the non-exclusive right to:
Exhibit the film during the festival
Use clips, trailers, stills, and BTS materials for promotional purposes
Filmmakers retain full ownership of their films.
9. Disqualification
LBFF reserves the right to disqualify any submission for:
Exceeding the runtime limit
Failure to meet eligibility or documentation requirements
Submission of false or misleading information
Copyright or intellectual property violations
Content deemed unlawful or excessively offensive
10. Liability & Indemnification
Entrants agree to indemnify and hold harmless LBFF, its organizers, sponsors, partners, and affiliates from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from the submission, exhibition, or use of the film.
11. Festival Modifications
LBFF reserves the right to modify festival dates, venues, award amounts, rules, or scheduling as necessary.
Any changes will be communicated to Entrants through official channels.
12. Agreement
Submission of a film constitutes full acceptance of all Rules & Terms set forth by the Louisiana Bayou Film Festival.