Announcing the Winners!
After much deliberation, our distinguished panel of judges has selected this year’s winning films. Congratulations to all of the filmmakers and teams who participated. We are proud to announce our winners.
The Best Film of 2023 goes to Mixed Pictures! Their film ‘’Thumb Wars’’ will go on to represent Des Moines against all the other city winners from around the world at Filmapalooza 2024!
Character
Jada or Jared Vanson - Door to Door Salesperson
Jada or Jared Vanson - Door to Door Salesperson
Line
I can’t remember where or when. OR I cannot remember where or when.
I can’t remember where or when. OR I cannot remember where or when.
Prop
A Tray
A Tray
1st Place: Best Film of 2023

Thumb Wars
by Mixed Pictures
2nd Place: Best Film of 2023

Alone
by Duron Films
3rd Place: Best Film of 2023

Slap. Bump. Shoot.
by Rise of the Cintree
Audience Favorite Group A:

Essential Essence
by Tiny Explosions
Audience Favorite Group B:

Slap. Bump. Shoot.
by Rise of the Cintree
Audience Favorite Group C:

Meloncholy
by BOOTLEG
Audience Favorite Group D:

Roadside Assistance
by Continuity
All Awards
Best Writing
- Winner: Slap. Bump. Shoot. by Rise of the Cintree
Best Editing
- Winner: Essential Essence by Tiny Explosions
Best Directing
- Winner: Another One Opens by Peach Fuzz
Best Cinematography
- Winner: Wildflower by Lumen Productions
- Honorable Mention: Azure Project by Studio 88 & Loper Productions
Best Sound Design
- Winner: Thumb Wars by Mixed Pictures
Best Music
- Winner: Family Batters by We're Just Here For The Zipline
Best Song
- Winner: Thumb Wars by Mixed Pictures
Best Actor
- Winner: Meloncholy by BOOTLEG (Sean O'Brien)
Best Actress
- Winner: Alone by Duron Films (Gabriela Fuentes)
- Honorable Mention: I Can't Remember Where or When by Theater Genesis (Sarina Woolman)
Best Acting Ensemble
- Winner: Thumb Wars by Mixed Pictures
Best Production Design
- Winner: Free Refills and Calling Dibs on Leftovers by Trilix
Best Trailer
- Winner: Wildflower by Lumen Productions
- Honorable Mention: Azure Project by Studio 88 & Loper Productions
Best Use of Character
- Winner: Roadside Assistance by Continuity
Best Use of Prop
- Winner: Man of Circumstance by CLD Films
Best Use of Line
- Winner: Wildflower by Lumen Productions
Best Use of Genre
- Winner: Alone by Duron Films
Best Visual Effects
- Winner: Wildflower by Lumen Productions