Want to make a movie? The Louies give local filmmakers a shot

Emilio Oscar Alcade received $10,000 to finish his second documentary, “El Sonido de Miami,” which traced the evolution of Miami’s signature Latin music sound, a fusion of Cuban and American influences. The movie premiered last year at the Miami Film Festival. (Photo courtesy of Miami Film Festival)

One local filmmaker will receive $50,000 to make their documentary, two filmmakers will get $10,000 in funding to complete a documentary that’s almost at the finish line, and three filmmakers will receive $10,000 each to create a short film.

In total, it’s $100,000 in the return of the Louies presented by Miami Dade College’s Miami Film Festival.

And, add to that that filmmakers get access to footage that’s invaluable held at the Lynn & Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives.

“The inaugural Louies winners are already demonstrating the extraordinary storytelling talent that exists in Miami,” said James Woolley, Miami Film Festival’s executive director in a statement. “These filmmakers are telling stories that have helped shape our city – from the nation’s first female sportscaster on Miami television, a roller rink that defined a generation, and the Latin sounds that put our city on the global stage. What excites me most is how the Louies are giving local filmmakers a true launch pad for their careers.”

And, there’s another bonus. Some of the award recipients will debut their documentaries at the Miami Film Festival (April 9-19, 2026) and each premiere puts the local filmmakers work in front of industry leaders, distributors, and other influential stakeholders in the film industry creating opportunities for global visibility and career-making connections.

The Louies honor the legacy of Louis Wolfson II, who led Wometco Enterprises’ television and cable division, and his family’s establishment of Miami’s first TV station, WTVJ. The program’s roots trace back to a powerful moment in history: after Louis Wolfson II’s father, Col. Mitchell Wolfson Sr., returned from World War II and witnessed the destructive power of Nazi propaganda, he recognized the media’s potential to educate and unite communities rather than divide them.

Following Louis Wolfson II’s death, his widow Lynn partnered with Miami Dade College to preserve Miami’s television history, creating the archives that now fuel contemporary storytelling. Television stations throughout South Florida have contributed footage, building an unparalleled repository of regional history.

Applications opened on Friday, Sept. 24 and the deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 5. Winners will be announced in January of 2026.

“The Louies represent everything my grandmother Lynn believed about the power of storytelling,” Randi Wolfson Adamo, trustee of the Lynn & Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation in a statement. “She knew that every community in Miami has incredible stories, but not everyone has the platform to share them. This program changes that. We’re seeing filmmakers from every neighborhood, every background, step up and claim their voice. These documentaries aren’t just preserving our past; they’re defining how future generations will understand what makes South Florida special.”

Originally launched in 1989 to support Florida filmmakers using the Archives, The Louies have evolved into a comprehensive program supporting documentary excellence while ensuring South Florida’s stories reach broader audiences.

Applicants must be permanent Miami-Dade County residents, age 18 or older, and U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Feature documentary applicants must have completed a short documentary, while short documentary applicants may be first-time directors with film experience and credited work.

The distinguished selection jury prioritizes creative and meaningful use of the Archives, encouraging filmmakers to weave historical footage into contemporary narratives that resonate with today’s audiences.

Last year’s winners were:

Margaret Cardillo received $50,000 to help produce her feature-length documentary about WTVJ female sportscaster Jane Chastain.

Gina Ann Margillo, director of “Overtown’s Living Legacy,” received $10,000 towards her short documentary “Night Train Last Stop,” a film about WLRN radio host Ted Grossman.

Emilio Oscar Alcade received $10,000 to finish his second documentary, “El Sonido de Miami,” which traced the evolution of Miami’s signature Latin music sound, a fusion of Cuban and American influences. The movie premiered last year at the Miami Film Festival.

Rachelle Salnave received $10,000 to complete “Dual Citizen,” her documentary about Haitian-American identity.

Documentary short winners, who each received $10,000, were: Symone Titania Major for “Under the Mango Tree;” Gina Ann Margillo for “Night Train Last Stop;” and Jayme Kaye Gershen for “Adult Night: A Super/Hot Wheels Doc.”

Information sessions for would-be applicants are being held on Oct. 3, 10, 24 and Nov. 3 via Zoom. Registration is required.

To apply or register for an information session, visit miamifilmfestival.com/the-louies/

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