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North Florida: America's First Hollywood
Did you know that before Hollywood, Jacksonville was the film capital of America? Though the film industry has traded Florida swamps for Hollywood hills, the legacy of filmmaking is alive and well in the River City. Jax Fuse Film's vision is to catalyze the creative economy through storytelling, innovation, and collaboration — elevating filmmakers, students, educators, and entrepreneurs in a shared space for inspiration and impact.
Last year we screened 8 short films in categories like horror, drama, comedy, musical and more. This year, with input from our expert committee, we are bringing short film screenings, an inspiring keynote speaker, networking, workshops and opportunities for local schools.
2025 Keynote:
"From Dream to Screen: Our Losses Carry Wins"
Learn how to turn rejection and being told to give up your film dream into fuel to go make your movie.
Meet the Speaker: Adam Madrid
Adam Madrid is a Jacksonville-based filmmaker who turned rejection from FSU Film School into fuel for a thriving creative career. He taught himself filmmaking, won Best Film and Director at the 2014 Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project, and founded the LOL JAX Film Festival to spotlight local talent. Now the city’s first Film Production Coordinator, Adam continues to champion Jacksonville’s film scene, earning accolades like “Art Innovator of the Year” and a city proclamation recognizing his impact.
2025 Film lineup
Comic Cash
By Ben Stone
Night Heist
By Stephen Franklin
A Look Inside
By Ben Stone
Toppermost
By Brian Parker
For My liberation
By Ella Brooke Withrow
Wave Form
By Samy El-Kamel
Akashic Spheres
By James Scott
Many Keys
By Mike Messier
gemini
By Dyamond Ross
Don't watch alone
By Lewis Farinella
Agenda
12:30 PM: Doors Open
1:00 - 4:00 PM: Workshops
4:00 - 4:45 PM: VIP Networking
4:45 - 5:00 PM: Opening / Kickoff
5:00 - 5:30 PM: Keynote
5:30 - 8:00 PM: Film Screenings
8:00 - 8:10 PM: Audience Voting
8:10 - 8:30 PM: Awards
8:30 - 9:30 PM: Networking
Film Award Categories
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Best Film
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Best Director
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Best Actor - Male
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Best Actor - Female
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Best Writing
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Best Cinematography
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Best Sound
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Best Ensemble Cast
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Best Makeup
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Best Special Effects
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Best Editing
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Best Costume / Wardrobe
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Best Use of Location
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Most Memorable Scene / Line
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Audience Choice Award
Workshops
"Galactic Tails & Talking Frames"
Tery Spataro,
Tery Designs and Creations
A fun, hands-on intro to AI filmmaking where you’ll turn wild ideas into animated scenes in under an hour.
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"Film as an expression of social justice"
Dana Maule,
Creator & Executive Producer
Explore how films have sparked cultural shifts and movements for change, with Moncrief Springs as a case study.
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"The 6 Pillars of Filmmaking: A Director’s Introduction"
Alexa Wint,
Nicalex Productions
Learn the core essentials of directing, from script and performance to editing and set design.
"Filmmaking and Business"
DJ Remark,
Director and Filmmaker
Understand the business side of film, bridging creativity with strategy to build a sustainable career.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! Submitting your film to Jax Fuse is completely free.
Independent filmmakers, students, and anyone with a short film (PG‑13 or under) are welcome to submit.
Submit your film by September 4, 2025.
We’re showcasing short films across genres—drama, comedy, horror, musical, and more—with a focus on creativity and story.
Yes—our expert committee (Cole Faust, Adam Madrid, Rohan Misra, Ramana Murthy) will preview submissions and select finalists. Awards will be given to winning films!
Absolutely. Film Day is open to the public. It’s a great opportunity to network with filmmakers, enjoy local talent, and be inspired.