It all started at Sun-Ray Cinema in Five Points, Festival Director, Monique Madrid is forever grateful for birthing her LOL JAX Film Festival concept in July 2016 and selling out her first year in August 2017 at the same iconic theater. The vision for LOL JAX was simple; create a platform to present short films and talent by local community filmmakers, actors/actresses and comedians. The genre comedy was chosen as a way to promote positivity to the community. “Love Our Locals” by “Laughing Out Loud” is the motto for the festival. With so much drama in the world, they wanted to create an event in Jacksonville where people can come and enjoy a good laugh while supporting the local, amazing talent this city has.

Comedian Jenn Weeks has been the official host for the festival since the beginning. The film festival has continued to expand each year after the success of their first year. As an advocate for the arts Monique uses this platform to help the next generation get experience in the local film industry. She does so by creating opportunities for the youth at Douglas Anderson and Jacksonville Arts Camp; Music School (JAMS). Students get a chance to volunteer at the festival and network/collaborate with the participating filmmakers and get opportunities to challenge themselves with creating short film projects to get screened at the festival. She also volunteered as an instructor at JAMS providing guidance into the world of film festivals so they are prepared when older. She also serves as an expert on many local film panels to help keep the film community connected. In April 2021, Jacksonville Business Journal named Monique as one of their 40 under 40 for 2021 for all her efforts in the community and with everything she does with LOL JAX Film Festival. In March 2023, Jacksonville Business Journal awarded Monique Woman of Influence. The festival has won Folio’s Best
of Jax six times between 2018 – 2024. This year the festival will be held at WJCT Studios with food trucks and vendors. Doors open at 5pm, event starts at 6pm. This year LOL JAX Film Festival will celebrate its ninth year with screenings on August 2nd and August 3rd. Along with comedic short films there will be featured stand-up comedians (Jpaw and Antwan Murphy), live band (MAG!C RAD!O), and the awards ceremony. For more information and to purchase tickets go to LOLJAX.com.