Photos by Kris Ikejiri

The Grand Prairie Arts Council presents PrairieFest 2026 at the historic Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie, TX. Following the resounding success of our previous PrairieFest Film Showcase, we're excited to bring you another amazing event! Our film festival is open to filmmakers from all over the world. Selected films will be showcased on a state-of-the-art projection system on a full-size movie screen at our live event on August 29, 2026.

Our goal is to promote the work of independent filmmakers and offer a platform to showcase their work to a large audience. We are seeking innovative filmmakers of all experience levels and short films of all genres. Whether you create narrative films, documentaries, situation comedies, action films, romantic comedies, thrillers, or dramas, there’s a place for you in our festival. Join us for the PrairieFest Film Showcase.

The Grand Prairie Arts Council (GPAC) was incorporated in 1979 to produce, promote and support the visual and performing arts in Grand Prairie, TX. GPAC is an independent, non-profit cultural arts organization with 60% of our funding coming from memberships, donations and grants. We are proud to say that the Arts Council serves thousands of patrons from throughout the North Texas area each year.

Awards & Prizes

Entry Categories:

Best Family-friendly Short
Best Drama Short
Best Comedy Short
Action/Thriller Short
Best Horror Short
Best Animated Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Student Short
Best TV/Web Series Episode

Additional honors to be awarded from among all entries:

Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Special Effects
Best Sound Design
Best Cinematography
Best Original Story
Young Filmmaker Award

Rules & Terms

All films must be submitted in English or with English subtitles.

Films must not exceed 25 minutes in length.

Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry and to use all music, images and content therein.

All entries must be submitted digitally. We require a Vimeo or FilmFreeway digital screening link. Any exceptions must be made by special arrangement with the Festival organizers.

Multiple entries are allowed for each filmmaker and each submission may be entered in multiple categories.

All submission fees are nonrefundable.

Any technical issues with the submitted films are 100% the responsibility of the filmmaker. If, at the time of judging, your video file doesn’t work or doesn’t meet requirements for entry, it will be rejected, without refund. Please contact the festival team ASAP if there are any issues with the submission process so that a solution may be found.

To qualify for the “Student” category, entrants must be able to provide proof of student status at the time of production.

All awards and recognition will be announced at the live event and thereafter posted on our website and social media.

All Officially Selected films will receive our laurels.

Winners in all categories will receive additional laurels and award certificates.

By submitting your film:

You give us consent and right to screen your film in front of a live audience, and, under special circumstances, online screening.

You agree to the use of parts of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster/stills, etc.) for promotional purposes.

You agree to receive promotional email from us and our festival partners.

You understand that only selected films will be screened before a live audience at the event.
11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kevin Saunders

    Had a great time at the PrairieFest Film Showcase. Very well organized and fun to see such a wide assortment of films.

    September 2025
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  • George Meyers

    Absolutely WONDERFUL Film Festival, I had the greatest time networking, meeting old and new friends and watching my film being shown on the big screen! Randy and Ben were the PERFECT Hosts/Festival Directors/Interviewers, and the theater space where the films were shown was top notch! Also, all of the films that were screened were the absolute best that I have seen in quite a while! Thank you once again Randy, Ben and EVERYONE who made this festival one to remember! I will be submitting again next year!

    September 2025
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  • Robert Cantu

    This was a absolute fun film festival. Randy is so welcoming and generous, he runs his film festival with love and kindness. Good networking with many other film makers and actors, and most of all screening all the films at the historic Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie. That alone is enough to have your film screened.

    September 2025
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  • Brandie Louck

    Such a great festival to be a part of. I can't recommend it enough. The communication was fast and efficient. The venue was beautiful and a great space to view the films. You could also tell the festival organizers put a lot of thought into everything, like creating merch with the films at the festival. The festival ran exactly on schedule which is always impressive. Really well done all around.

    September 2025
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  • Dominique Anderson

    I had a fantastic experience at PrairieFest Film Showcase! I brought my students to see films and network. They absolutely loved the overall experience. The event was well-organized, engaging, and inspiring for both educators and students. I highly recommend it to filmmakers and educators looking to share their work with an enthusiastic and supportive audience.

    September 2025
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