International Indie Screenplay Festival

About the Festival

The International Indie Screenplay Festival is an international celebration dedicated entirely to the art of cinematic storytelling through the written word. Open to rising student screenwriters, indie auteurs, and experienced storytellers with a bold vision, the festival provides a creative platform for scripts across all formats—from short films to full-length features, experimental works, and genre-defying narratives.

Beyond a traditional competition, the festival is designed as a collaborative community for screenwriters, filmmakers, and industry creatives to connect, exchange feedback, and elevate stories from the page to production.

What to Expect

• Diverse Screenplay Showcases: Screenings and presentations across a wide range of genres and script formats.
• Live Table Reads & Feedback Sessions: In-depth workshops and read-throughs to workshop submitted material.
• Industry Panels & Q&As: Insightful discussions featuring active screenwriters, producers, and directors.
• Networking Events: Dedicated opportunities to build connections with fellow writers, filmmakers, and collaborators.
• Competitive Recognition: Specialized awards honoring narrative excellence across multiple craft categories.

Awards & Categories

• Best Screenplay Short Film
• Best Screenplay Feature Film
• Best Screenplay Student Project
• Best First-Time Screenwriter Project
• Best Character Development Screenplay
• Best Dialogue Screenplay
• Best Plot-Twist Screenplay
• Best Sci-Fi Screenplay
• Best Comedy Screenplay
• Best Horror Screenplay

Rules & Submission Guidelines

• Eligibility: Open to writers of all experience levels and nationalities. Submissions are accepted from individual writers, co-writing teams, and students. All genres and formats (shorts, features, episodic pilots, student works, experimental) are welcome.
• File & Format Requirements:
  • Submissions must be uploaded in PDF format only.
  • Scripts must be written in English (non-English scripts must include an English translation).
  • Blind Judging: The file name must include the script title only. Do not put your name, contact details, or identifying info on the title page or anywhere in the script to ensure anonymous evaluation.
• Page Length Guidelines:
  • Short Screenplays: 1–30 pages.
  • Feature-Length Screenplays: 70–130 pages.
  • Student Projects: Flexible page count; must include proof of valid student enrollment or student ID.
  • Experimental / Alternate Formats: Flexible page count; must include a short concept synopsis.
• Rights & Originality: All entries must be original material owned entirely by the applicant(s). Adaptations of public domain works are permitted if explicitly disclosed.
• Co-Writers & Multiple Entries: Multiple script submissions are allowed (each requires a separate entry form and fee). Co-written projects need only one submitter, but all co-writers must be listed; awards are issued to the submitting author unless noted otherwise.
• Judging & Selection: Scripts are evaluated anonymously by a panel of industry readers and professionals. Selected scripts may be invited to participate in live or virtual table reads.
• Entry Fees & Rights Retention: All entry fees are non-refundable and support festival operations and jury panels. Writers retain 100% of the rights to their work; by submitting, you grant permission for the festival to use your title, logline, and excerpts for promotional purposes with full writer credit.