About Festival
Now in its second year, the Nikola Tesla Film Festival is a celebration of cinema, innovation, and imagination, hosted in the entertainment capital of the world Las Vegas.
Inspired by the genius of Nikola Tesla, the festival brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and visionaries who share his spirit of discovery and creativity.
Set against the electric energy of Las Vegas, we showcase independent films, documentaries, and shorts that explore invention, technology, human potential, and groundbreaking ideas.
Beyond screenings, the festival features interactive exhibits, speakers, live performances and networking event a unique fusion of film and innovation. Just as Tesla lit up the world with his inventions, the festival sparks inspiration by shining a spotlight on bold voices in cinema.
Festival award night features a red carpet reception, highlights of finalist films, and a live presentation across all nine award categories.
Awards Section
- The Tesla Grand Prize (Best Film) - $1,000 cash prize, Tesla statue hand sculpted by internationally renowned sculptor Stan Watts and Tesla portrait by Serbian painter Milica Savić. Awarded to the film that best embodies innovation, creativity, and storytelling excellence.
- The Coil Award (Best Director) - Recognition for visionary directing that electrifies the audience.
- The Current Award (Best Documentary) - For documentaries that illuminate truth and spark change.
- The Lightning Award (Best Short Film) - Honoring concise, powerful storytelling.
- Visionary Inventor Award (Best Experimental/Innovative Film) - Celebrating groundbreaking approaches in style, technology, or narrative.
- Magnetic Performance Award (Best Actor/Actress) - For the most captivating on screen presence.
- Spark Award (Best Student Film) - Supporting emerging talent.
- Innovation in Cinematography Award - For films that light the screen with visual brilliance.
- Neural Network Award (Best Use of AI in Film) - Honoring bold and creative use of artificial intelligence in storytelling, editing, visual effects, or sound design a modern echo of Tesla's forward looking genius.
Dates & Deadlines
Deadline Dates
1. Opening Date May 1, 2026
2. Earlybird Deadline November 1, 2026
3. Regular Deadline December 1, 2026
4. Super Late Deadline January 7, 2027
*Student entries are free for the Visionary Inventor and Spark Award categories.
Testimonials from last year
"We were so grateful that our short film Margaret the Brave was chosen by the judges to win the Grand Prize for Best Film. The Nikola award statue was absolutely beautiful and something we will treasure for years to come." Rachel Johnson, Winner, Best Film 2026
"The communication and promotion of the Nikola Tesla Film Festival was always on-point and thorough... Congratulations on this spectacular inaugural event." Andres Luz, Filmmaker
"From the start to the event date, there was wonderful communication on the stages of judging. The event was wonderfully organized and executed. Wonderful 1st year." Bhojraj Harry, Filmmaker
Nikola Tesla Film Festival Partners
Brenden Theatre
University of Las Vegas
University of Las Vegas
Brenden Theatre at PALMS casino is the only theatre in Nevada capable of presenting authentic IMAX 70mm film. Their towering 72 ft IMAX screen was purpose built for the scale and immersion of this rare presentation. This is one of the most sought after movie presentations available anywhere in the country.
University of Las Vegas
University of Las Vegas
University of Las Vegas
The UNLV School of Cinematic Arts is one of the departments in the College of Fine Arts. UNLV has recognized the opportunity to support our festival as we want to cherish all their students hard and creative work.
369 Film Production
University of Las Vegas
369 Film Production
Las Vegas based film production is official executive partner of festival.
Contact Us
Submissions are open on Filmfreeway
For sponsorship opportunities and questions contact us to contact@nikolateslafilmfestival.com
Nikola Tesla Film Festival
Las Vegas, NV, USA
