The Athena Film Festival Writers Lab is a three-day creative development workshop for emerging women and non-binary writers, providing storytellers with creative guidance, training, industry access, and a valuable, supportive network.
Applicants must submit a project that includes a woman or women characters in a leadership role or position at the center of the story. Eligible writers have not had a tv script or feature-length screenplay produced within the past 10 years. The labs are held in partnership with the Stephens College MFA in TV and Screenwriting.
Submissions are now open for two labs: our November virtual lab and our March in-person lab. These two labs support both feature film screenwriters and television writers.
The Virtual Lab will take place November 16- 18, 2022
The In-Person Lab will take place March 2-3, 2023
Both Labs Feature:
-1-on-1 mentoring sessions, providing direct project feedback, with experienced writers and industry experts
-Pitch Workshops
-Mock Writers Room, for television writers
-Industry Day Events including panels, and keynote speakers
*Labs are identical - aside from location.
When applying, please select one category:
Virtual Writers Lab Category (Submissions Open 8/1 - 9/6)
This Writers Lab will be a completely virtual lab and will take place online from November 16-18, 2022.
In-Person Writers Lab Category (Submissions Open 8/1 - 11/1)
This Writers Lab will take place in person, in New York City on the Barnard College campus from March 1-3, 2023. Please note that Athena does not provide travel funds, flights, or accommodations.
You may apply for both the Virtual and In-Person Writers labs. Please apply to virtual first and a question in the application will denote that you would like to be considered for both.