Film Prize Junior New Mexico will premiere 206 student-produced short films from 100 schools statewide during its largest festival yet, held March 20–21, 2026 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The event marks the program’s fifth year, highlighting the growth of one of the nation’s leading student filmmaking initiatives.
Students from across New Mexico will gather to watch their films on the big screen, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and connect with educators and film professionals. The festival concludes with the Film Prize Junior Awards Ceremony on March 22 at the Kiva Auditorium.
What Is Film Prize Junior New Mexico?
Film Prize Junior New Mexico is a project-based education program that teaches filmmaking in classrooms across the state. Students collaborate to write, produce, and edit short films while learning communication, teamwork, and creative problem‑solving skills.
The program launched in 2021 and has quickly expanded statewide. Since its start, Film Prize Junior New Mexico has:
- Reached 125+ schools across 27 counties
- Engaged more than 7,000 students
- Supported the creation of over 700 student films
The annual festival allows students to premiere their films publicly while celebrating creativity, storytelling, and media education.
Gregory Kallenberg, Executive Director of the Prize Foundation and Co‑Founder of Film Prize Junior, said the program continues to strengthen connections between students, teachers, and their communities.
“Film Prize Junior is transforming New Mexico’s youth and connecting them more closely to their teachers and their peers,” Kallenberg said. “Our goal is to work with teachers and students to show these young women and men the pathway to success.”
What Happens at the Film Prize Junior Festival?
The 2026 Film Prize Junior Festival will feature two days of screenings and student-focused programming in Albuquerque.
Highlights include:
- Premieres of 206 student-produced short films
- Participation from 100 New Mexico schools
- A Student Red Carpet experience
- Hands-on film equipment demonstrations hosted by Central New Mexico Community College
- Opportunities for students to meet and network with industry professionals
The festival brings together students, teachers, families, and community members to celebrate the next generation of storytellers.
How Film Prize Junior Supports Native Student Filmmakers
A significant portion of the program’s growth has occurred in Native communities across New Mexico.
Students in Native-serving schools have created more than 100 films through the program. In 2026, Film Prize Junior is partnering with 25 schools that primarily serve Native students, helping young filmmakers share stories rooted in their cultures and communities.
“Film Prize Junior gives young people across New Mexico the opportunity to tell their own stories and see those stories valued by their communities,” said Rosey Hayett, Director of Film Prize Junior New Mexico. “When students collaborate to create a film, they’re building communication, creativity, and confidence — the kinds of skills that will serve them in any future they choose.”
When Is the Film Prize Junior Awards Ceremony?
The Film Prize Junior Awards Ceremony takes place March 22, 2026 at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque.
During the ceremony, top student films and filmmakers are recognized for their work across multiple categories. The awards event concludes the three‑day festival celebrating student storytelling and creative achievement.
What Is the Prize Foundation?
The Prize Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 and based in Shreveport, Louisiana. Its mission is to promote economic growth, workforce development, and creative entrepreneurship through education and cultural events.
The organization operates several national initiatives, including:
- Louisiana Film Prize
- Film Prize Junior
- Startup Prize
- Food Prize
- Music Prize
- Comedy Prize
Each program connects education, industry mentorship, and public events to support creative careers and local economic development.
Where Can You Watch Film Prize Junior Student Films?
Student films from Film Prize Junior New Mexico will be available to watch after the festival at the program’s official website.
Visit www.FilmPrizeJr.com to learn more about the program, explore participating schools, and view student films.
Watch New Mexico Student Films Online After the Festival
Plan ahead to experience the record 206 student films by visiting www.FilmPrizeJr.com after March 22. Browse the full collection from 100 schools across the state, discover stories from Native communities and rural areas, and see how classroom creativity comes to life.
FAQ: Film Prize Junior New Mexico
What is Film Prize Junior New Mexico?
Film Prize Junior New Mexico is a statewide educational filmmaking program for middle and high school students. Schools integrate filmmaking into classroom learning, allowing students to collaborate on short films while developing communication, storytelling, and technical skills. The program culminates each year in a public festival where student films are screened for peers, educators, and community audiences.
When and where is the Film Prize Junior festival in 2026?
The 2026 Film Prize Junior New Mexico festival takes place March 20–21 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The event includes film screenings, a student red carpet, equipment demonstrations, and networking opportunities. The celebration concludes with the Awards Ceremony on March 22 at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque.
How many films are in the 2026 festival?
The 2026 festival features 206 student-produced short films, the largest number in the program’s history. These films were created by students from 100 schools across New Mexico, making it the biggest Film Prize Junior event since the program began in 2021.
How many students participate in Film Prize Junior New Mexico?
Since launching in 2021, Film Prize Junior New Mexico has engaged more than 7,000 students across 125 schools in 27 counties. Students work in teams to write scripts, shoot footage, and edit short films that are submitted to the statewide festival.
How does Film Prize Junior support Native students?
Film Prize Junior has expanded significantly in Native communities across New Mexico. Students from Native-serving schools have created over 100 films through the program. In 2026, the initiative partners with 25 schools that primarily serve Native students, helping young filmmakers share stories that reflect their culture and community experiences.
Who runs Film Prize Junior?
Film Prize Junior is operated by The Prize Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Shreveport, Louisiana. Founded in 2012, the foundation runs multiple initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, arts, education, and economic development, including Louisiana Film Prize, Startup Prize, Food Prize, Music Prize, and Comedy Prize.
This article was posted by Jess
