The Fort Worth Film Commission has a new package designed to help Dallas-Fort Worth filmmakers get one step closer to the Academy Awards — a process that can otherwise be grueling and thankless.
This new program comes following the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' recent selection of Dallas-Fort Worth as an "Oscar-qualifying city" — one of only six areas in the U.S.
It gives filmmakers a short-cut to get their short films officially in the running for an Academy Award nomination, a process that would ordinarily require the filmmaker to submit their work to film festivals, to get the attention required to earn a nomination.
Instead, this program invites filmmakers from around the world to submit their short films for consideration. If they're apparoved, then they get the film screened for seven consecutive days at the Texas Movie Bistro. Filmmakers will gete 50 percent of ticket sale profits — but more important, they get visibility.
They also get a red carpet premiere for one night during the film’s run, with free admission for guests and photo opportunities with an on-site photographer. Plus an after party in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.
The Fort Worth Film Commission will also provide promotional support by promoting the film premiere on social media and film e-newsletter and sending out a media alert to local press. Filmmakers will receive a digital package with screening laurels to celebrate the selection of their short into the program.
Last but not least, the package covers travel and hotel: roundtrip airfare for two members of the cast or crew to Fort Worth, four free hotel room nights, and a transportation stipend. Guests can also experience Fort Worth through an optional guided tour.
Film commissioner Taylor Hardy says, “This first-of-its-kind program allows emerging filmmakers to pursue their dreams while experiencing Fort Worth’s welcoming creative community. Our city has quickly grown to become a top destination for filmmaking with initiatives that support all stages of the production process.”
The Fort Worth Film Commission has supported significant impact over the past 10 years with accomplishments including:
- Base for Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, the third most streamed show of 2024 with 9.9 billion minutes watched
- Creation of the Fort Worth Film Collaborative, a fast-track certification program, developed in partnership with Tarrant County College and 101 Studios
- Recognition as one of MovieMaker Magazine’s top places to live and work as a moviemaker in 2025
This comes on the heels of the city’s celebrations for local musician Abraham Alexander and writer/director and Fort Worth-native Greg Kwedar on their Oscar nominations for their work on independent feature film Sing Sing.
Fort Worth also has friends in high places: Michael De Luca, who is chairperson of Warner Bros. Entertainment and a two-time Academy Awards producer, says he's proud to call it his "part-time home," stating that "Fort Worth is a great place to premiere your movie. The community support is unparalleled."
Entries for the Fort Worth Premiere Package will be reviewed by a screening committee chaired by director Brandon Oldenburg, known for his work on animated films such as The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.
"From childhood fantasies in my Fort Worth backyard, where home movies fueled my passion, I always knew I'd be a filmmaker," Oldenburg says. "2011 brought that dream tantalizingly close. The reality of chasing Academy recognition, however, was a stark contrast: a complex, often hostile journey demanding endless effort and resources. That is, until now."
The Fort Worth Film Commission will host a free, educational mixer and workshop at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth on Monday, February 24 from 7-9 pm. This event will feature guest speaker Rebekah Louisa Smith, The Film Festival Doctor, as she helps guests to better understand the OSCAR® qualification process.
Additionally, Magnolia at the Modern will be screening the 2025 Oscar-nominated Short Films giving audiences the chance to be inspired by this year’s animated and live-action program. Various showtimes available February 28 - March 2.