Now in its second year, the Nikola Tesla Film Festival returns to Las Vegas on January 17, 2027 — a celebration of cinema, innovation, and imagination inspired by the genius of Nikola Tesla.
Independent films, documentaries, and shorts exploring invention, technology, and human potential take the screen, alongside interactive exhibits, speakers, live performances, and a chance to connect with filmmakers from around the world.
The night culminates in the Electric Awards Night — a red carpet reception, finalist film highlights, and a live presentation across nine categories, from the Tesla Grand Prize (Best Film, with a $1,000 cash prize and a statue hand-sculpted by Stan Watts) to the Coil Award for Best Director, the Magnetic Performance Award, the Innovation in Cinematography Award, and the Spark Award for student filmmakers.
Filmmakers: submissions are open on FilmFreeway — early-bird deadline November 1, 2026; regular deadline December 1, 2026; super-late deadline January 7, 2027. Student entries are free in the Visionary Inventor and Spark Award categories. VIP tickets include the after party with celebrity guests and winners.
Festival partners include Brenden Theatres at Palms, the UNLV School of Cinematic Arts, and 369 Film Production. Venue and schedule details: see the festival website.
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