Meet the new class of the Louisiana Film Prize.

On Friday, the Top 20 finalists were announced for the 2019 Louisiana Film Prize short film competition.

The 20 filmmakers are one step closer to claiming the $50,000 grand prize at Prize Fest, scheduled Oct. 2-6.

Independent filmmakers entrants from across the U.S. waited with bated breath as the titles and directors declared during a ceremony at Robinson Film Center.

Being selected for festival play could be a life and career-changing opportunity.

"Film Prize has already shown that winning the money — just by participating in the Top 20 — does change their life," said founder Gregory Kallenberg. "What we're doing tonight is giving further validation to 20 filmmakers who've done an amazing job and shown the judges that they deserve a place to play at Film Prize Festival."

This year, Prize organizers saw record highs in areas including of female directors to enter the competition and noted an increase in participation from minority groups, said Prize associate director, Chris Lyon.

The eighth annual LAFP short film festival will return in the fall as a part of Prize Fest — a multi-day event incorporating film, music, food, and fashion competitions and audience experiences.

Film screenings are scheduled from Oct. 3-5 at various locations in downtown Shreveport. The awards ceremony is Oct. 6.

The 2019 Louisiana Film Prize Top 20 films and directors are:

"Same Time Next Week," Kalah Roberts

"Ghosted," Blayne Weaver

"Black Pajamas," Hattie Haggard Gobble

"And That Is Why I Succeed," Travis Bible

"Maven Voyage," Rachel Emerson

"A Diminished Art," Jeremy Enis

"Supplements," Sarah Phillips

"Stiff Arm," Matthew Ramsaur

"Shrevepoet," Abigail Kruger

"Cicero," Makenzie Smith and Finch Nissen

"Leo & Grace," Gabriel Savodivker

"Ascension," Jeremy Spring and Rex Davey

"Invitation," Chad Hill

"Nowhere, Arkansas," Robert Linsley

"Best in Show," Jacob and Jaya McSharma

"Mr. Marvelous," Evan Falbaum

"St. Esther Day," Camille Schmoutz

"Fast Forward Style," Kari Kennon

"Anniversary," James Harlon Palmer

"R.I.P.," Hannah Dorsett

In 2012, LAFP launched in Shreveport with a mission to support indie filmmakers and filmmaking in northwest Louisiana.

Filmmakers are tasked with creating an original short film — five to 15 minutes in length — within the designated region.

The Top 20 films were selected by collective deliberation.

"The films were judged by 46 preliminary judges from all over the world," Kallenberg said. "It's our largest judging group we've ever had. It was the highest percentage of participation. And it was the tightest vote we've ever had."

The grand prize-winning film, as well as the Top 5 finalists, will be decided by 50 percent audience, 50 percent judges vote.

To purchase festival passes and learn more about Louisiana Film Prize and Prize Fest, visit prizefest.org.

More stories about Prize Fest:

Los Angeles filmmaker wins 2018 Louisiana Film Prize

New fashion experience joins Louisiana Prize Fest family

Caddo, Bossier students win awards at Film Prize Junior