LSMSA Student Film "Last Shift" Wins Best Film at Louisiana Film Prize Junior

Nicolle Niette
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is proud to announce that its students’ short film, Last Shift, took home the Best Film award at the 2026 Louisiana Film Prize Junior competition on Sunday, April 26, in Shreveport.
The film was the result of a collaborative student project led by junior Hayley Jacobs (‘27), who served as director, with contributions from Sophia Bartlett (‘27), Brenna Cobler (‘26), Mckenzie Harrell (‘26), and Emme Stowe (‘27).

Last Shift follows a desperate middle-aged thief who, after robbing a small-town bank in a gorilla costume, must outrun a determined young security guard long enough to reunite with his teenage daughter, forcing all three to confront what survival truly costs.

The project grew out of a special projects week crash course in guerrilla filmmaking led by faculty mentors Marcus Journey and Chris King, Lecturers of Visual Arts at LSMSA. Students were guided through every phase of production, from script development and planning to shooting and editing.

"We are so proud of this group of creative students who dedicated their individual skills and talents to the production of this award-winning project," said King.
 
Director Jacobs reflected on the experience, "Thanks to Special Projects and my teachers, I was able to thrive within a medium I had never explored before."
 
Louisiana Film Prize Junior is a statewide program that encourages 5th-12th grade students to develop narrative storytelling skills while building teamwork, communication, and professional readiness through the filmmaking process.

LSMSA is a tuition-free, public residential high school serving high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across Louisiana. Financial assistance is available to ensure access to its 43-year tradition of a rigorous, college-level living and learning experience. 

Learn more at LSMSA.edu.
Back

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts

715 University Parkway
Natchitoches, LA 71457
T: 318.357.2500 Toll Free: 800.259.3173 | F: 318.357.3189
Contact Us | Report Possible Fraud or Abuse |
National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Search

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is the preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for Louisiana's high-achieving, highly-motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures the program is available to all qualifying students regardless of family financial need.
© 2026 LSMSA All Rights Reserved