FWFC Announces Premiere Package to Support Local Filmmakers

The road to the OSCARS® can start in Fort Worth thanks to a new premiere package from the Fort Worth Film Commission, designed to help filmmakers qualify their short films while celebrating their work with a VIP experience.

This program follows the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ recent selection of Dallas-Fort Worth as an OSCAR®-qualifying city, replacing Miami to become one of only six areas nationwide with this designation.

Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit their short films for the opportunity to receive a Premiere Package, which includes:

• Travel to Fort Worth: Roundtrip airfare to fly two members of the cast or crew to Fort Worth, four complimentary hotel room nights and a transportation stipend.  Guests will also have the opportunity to experience Fort Worth through a guided tour
• Screening Package: OSCAR®-qualifying short film screenings for seven consecutive days at our partner theater, Texas Movie Bistro.  Filmmakers will receive 50% of ticket sale profits
• Premiere Experience: Red carpet premiere for one night during the film’s run, which includes complimentary admission for guests and photo opportunities with on-site photographer
• After Party: A food and beverage credit will be provided for a special after-party at partner restaurants in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards
• Promotional Support: The Fort Worth Film Commission will promote the film premiere on social media and film e-newsletter and send a media alert to local press.  Filmmakers will receive a digital package with screening laurels to celebrate program selection

Entries for the Fort Worth Premiere Package will be reviewed by a screening committee, chaired by ACADEMY AWARD®-winning 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,” said Oldenburg. “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.”

Film commissioner Taylor Hardy said, “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:

• Support for film projects that have driven an economic impact of over $700 million and created 30,000+ production jobs
• 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 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 is a great place to premiere your movie. The community support is unparalleled and I’m proud to call it my part-time home,” said Michael De Luca, Chairperson of Warner Bros. Entertainment and two-time ACADEMY AWARDS® producer.

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.

For more details about the Fort Worth Premiere Packages, please visit our website at FortWorth.com/PremierePackage.  Applications are live now.