Nikola Tesla Film Festival is a celebration of cinema, innovation, and imagination, hosted in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas. Inspired by the genius of Nikola Tesla, the festival brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and visionaries who share Tesla’s spirit of discovery and creativity.
Set against the electric energy of Las Vegas, the festival showcases independent films, documentaries, and shorts that explore themes of invention, technology, human potential, and groundbreaking ideas. In addition to screenings, the festival features interactive exhibits, panel discussions, and networking events, making it a unique fusion of film and innovation.
Just as Tesla lit up the world with his inventions, the festival sparks inspiration by shining a spotlight on bold voices in cinema. With audiences ranging from film lovers to innovators, the Nikola Tesla Film Festival positions itself as not just an event, but a movement that honors the past while inspiring the future.

Awards & Prizes

1. The Tesla Grand Prize (Best Film)
– $2,000 cash prize + trophy inspired by Tesla’s coil design.
– Awarded to the film that best embodies innovation, creativity, and storytelling excellence.

2. The Coil Award (Best Director)
– Recognition for visionary directing that electrifies the audience.

3. The Current Award (Best Documentary)
– For documentaries that illuminate truth and spark change.

4. The Lightning Award (Best Short Film)
– Honoring concise, powerful storytelling.

5. Visionary Inventor Award (Best Experimental/Innovative Film)
– Celebrating groundbreaking approaches in style, technology, or narrative.

6. Magnetic Performance Award (Best Actor/Actress)
– For the most captivating on-screen presence.

7. Spark Award (Best Student Film)
– Supporting emerging talent with a $500prize.

8. Innovation in Cinematography
– For films that light the screen with visual brilliance.

9. Neural Network Award (Best Use of AI in Film or entire AI film ) – Honoring bold and creative use of artificial intelligence in storytelling, editing, visual effects, or sound design. This award highlights the merging of art and technology, a modern echo of Tesla’s forward-looking genius.

Rules & Terms

⚡ Nikola Tesla Film Festival Rules & Terms (Year One)

1. Eligibility:
Open to filmmakers worldwide.
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022.
All genres accepted: narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, student films.
Submissions must not violate copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights.
Non-English films must include English subtitles.

2. Submission Guidelines:
Films must be submitted through [FilmFreeway or festival portal].
Accepted formats: Digital screener link (Vimeo, FilmFreeway upload, or similar).
Entry fees are non-refundable.
A filmmaker may submit multiple films, but each requires a separate entry fee.

3. Screening & Selection
All submissions will be reviewed by the festival programming committee.
Selected films will be notified by email.
Final screening format will be requested (DCP, ProRes, or high-quality digital file).
Not all submitted films will be selected.

4. Awards
Awards will be presented in categories including: Best Film, Best Director, Best Short, Best Documentary, Best Actor/Actress, Best Student Film, Best Use of AI, and Audience Choice.
The jury’s decisions are final.
Cash prizes, trophies, and certificates will be awarded as outlined.

5. Rights & Permissions
By submitting, the filmmaker confirms they own or have secured all necessary rights for exhibition.
The festival is not responsible for copyright disputes.
The festival may use up to 2 minutes of clips, stills, or promotional materials for marketing and festival promotion.

6. Attendance
Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.
Filmmakers attending may be invited to Q&A sessions, panels, and networking events.
The festival does not cover travel or accommodation costs in its first year.

7. General Terms
Submission does not guarantee selection.
The festival reserves the right to make changes to programming, schedules, or awards.
Entry fees and deadlines must be respected.
Participation in the festival implies acceptance of all rules and terms.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rachel Johnson

    For being in its first year, we were really impressed with the venue and all they had set up for the filmmakers afterwards. We were so grateful that our short film Margaret the Brave was chosen by the judges to win the Grand Prize for Best Film. The Nikola award statue was absolutely beautiful and something we will treasure for years to come! Also, we were so thankful to be able to screen in front of the audience during the award show. We want to thank Katarina for her seamless communication and all of their promotion they did on social media to help spread the word about all the films involved in the festival. I would say the only thing I wish that I could have seen more of was the other films. Maybe time permitting next year, we could have a full day of screenings + the awards show at night so we can have another opportunity to watch the work of other winning filmmakers and networking opportunities. Despite that, everything else was well run and we wish you all the success with the festival in the upcoming years.

    January 2026
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  • Andres Luz

    The communication and promotion of the Nikola Tesla Film Festival was always on-point and thorough. I always received a timely response whenever I needed clarity and during the time I requested an updated RSVP to attend the awards event. The showcase event was finely produced and I thought the presentation on Nikola Tesla's legacy was thought-provoking and well-done. Congratulations on this spectacular inaugural event and many best wishes on your continued success!

    January 2026
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  • Andrija Ratkovic

    Hi. This is first time I participated in film festival, and I reached semi-final with my educational movie. This is a huge success for my team and Serbian movie industry. Thank you.

    January 2026
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  • Bhojraj Harry

    From the start to the event date, there was wonderful communication on the stages of judging. The event was wonderfully organized and executed. Wonderful 1st year.

    January 2026
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  • Ivan Krapivin

    I was watching the ceremony in the Instagram and envy that I'm not in Vegas that time. It was awesome, guys. Congrats and see you next year I hope

    January 2026
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