Civil War Short Film Rock Island Prison 1864 Wins Award at Sayville International Film Festival

LOS ANGELES - Aug. 28, 2026 - PRLog -- The award-winning Civil War short film Rock Island Prison 1864, written and directed by filmmaker Joy Shannon, has received the award for Best Wardrobe, Hair and Makeup at the 2026 Sayville International Film Festival in Sayville, New York.

Based on true events, Rock Island Prison 1864 brings attention to the little-known history of the 108th Regiment of the United States Colored Infantry. The film follows formerly enslaved Black men who joined the Union Army in exchange for their freedom and were assigned to guard Confederate prisoners of war at the Rock Island Prison Barracks in Illinois.

The latest award celebrates the artists whose work helped give the film its historical atmosphere, emotional realism and distinctive visual character.

"This award is especially meaningful because every visual detail helped us honor the Black men whose courage and sacrifice have too often been overlooked," said Shannon.

The Sayville recognition adds to the film's growing collection of awards and nominations. Rock Island Prison 1864 previously won Best Drama Short at both the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and the Chicago FEEDBACK Film Festival. It also received nominations for Best Director, Best Short and Best Cinematography at the Las Vegas Black Film Festival, along with recognition from the IndieFEST Film Awards and selections at festivals throughout the United States and Canada.

Joy Shannon is an independent filmmaker whose work frequently combines compelling storytelling with social and historical themes.

A native of Rock Island, Illinois, Shannon created Rock Island Prison 1864 to honor the Black Union soldiers whose experiences have remained largely absent from mainstream Civil War history. Her long-term goal is to expand the short film into a full-length feature or television production, bringing the story of the 108th United States Colored Infantry to an even wider audience.

Through its continuing success on the festival circuit, Rock Island Prison 1864 is earning recognition for its filmmaking and also ensuring that this overlooked chapter of American history and the men who lived it are finally remembered.

About Rock Island Prison 1864

Rock Island Prison 1864 is a historical short drama written and directed by Joy Shannon. Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of formerly enslaved men serving as Union soldiers and guarding Confederate prisoners of war at the Rock Island Prison Barracks during the Civil War. The film explores freedom, power, justice and the complicated realities faced by Black soldiers fighting for a country that had only recently recognized their humanity.

Website: www.rockislandprison.com