CSFF 2022 IS ALL SCREENPLAYS!

It’s the words! And, also the details which tell you who the characters are, where and when they are, what the action is, and a beginning, middle, and end. Without these details, it would be hard to attract actors to play the roles, and directors to sign on to direct.

Screenwriters are important! They provide the blueprint for the eventual film. Short screenplays can be influential and important to career development and may even result in changes in the real world!

Copa Shorts Film Fest is pleased to announce our 2022 Short Screenplay contest. This is the 6th Year in which Copa Shorts is featuring short screenplays.

We look forward to seeing and reviewing your screenplays!

Awards & Prizes

Cash prizes, professional software!

Rules & Terms

CONTEST RULES

•We are looking for screenplays of no more than 20 pages (that doesn’t include the Title Page).

•All genres are accepted: Action, Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

•Special categories include: Middle and High School Student, College Student, Military Veteran, and Native American

•All screenplays must be submitted in English using standard screenplay format with a title page that includes the screenwriter’s name, address, cell phone, and email.

•COPYRIGHT - copyrighted material is the screenwriter’s responsibility. Plagiarism is not acceptable.

•Entry fees are non-refundable. No refunds will be issued for any reason

•Once Copa Shorts Film Fest has accepted a screenplay for inclusion in the festival, the screenwriter understands and agrees to allow CSFF to include details of the project for use in PR/media

•Screenplays must be submitted to FilmFreeway.com to be considered for the Copa Shorts Film Fest’s Screenplay Contest

•There are no time limitations for when the screenplay must have been written.

NOTE: We do not send reviewer comments to screenwriters. Every screenplay will receive at least 2 reviews.

13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • NIKITA HATTANGADY

    A wonderful festival where the organizers make you feel like a family. They have been communicative and generous. A wonderful festival with so many films to make you laugh. Highly recommend!

    November 2021
    Helpful
  • Shelby Elwood

    I'm honored that Copa Shorts selected our Native American film "Coming Home" for their 2020 film festival! I can't rate the hospitality & networking categories, because the fest was online ~ but I will say emphatically that Director Shelley Gillespie did everything possible to make it a top-shelf experience. Her communication and attention to detail couldn't have been better, and we felt very welcomed and appreciated, even virtually. Thanks to all who made the Copa Shorts fest a "virtual" success!

    April 2021
    Helpful
    csff horizontal colorlogo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Shelby!

    We really appreciate your comments. To make our festival safe for filmmakers and audience, we knew we needed to go virtual. We'll be doing that again in 2021. And,

    We'll be all comedy!! Everyone needs a boost after the year we've all had. If you have a short comedy film, please consider submitting it! Thank you for your participation in Copa Shorts!

    Warmest regards,
    Shelley Gillespie
    Executive Director
    Copa Shorts Film Fest

  • Lawrence Hennigan

    I was honored that my short film, "Interloper" was selected to screen at at Copa Shorts Film Fest. I wish I was able to be there in person to see that beautiful city, but given the situation we're all in, the virtual festival was a wonderful solution! I hope to be able to attend a future Copa Fest! Shelley stayed in regular communication with me and made me feel welcome. The whole experience was top-notch. Well worth the submission fee, I highly recommend you submit your next project to Copa Shorts Film Fest!

    November 2020
    Helpful
    csff horizontal colorlogo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Lawrence!

    We appreciate the kind words and were so glad to screen your film. Your film had an intriguing concept that was well-executed.

    Today, I was speaking with someone who viewed our festival. They found "Interloper" memorable and enjoyed it.

    Shelley Gillespie
    Executive Director
    Copa Shorts Film Fest

  • Grandin Theatre Film Lab

    We had excellent communication from the festival staff and were honored to be included in the programming. It's wonderful that they have space to showcase young filmmakers. Would recommend.

    November 2020
    Helpful
    csff horizontal colorlogo
    Response from festival:

    Hello Grandin Theatre Film Lab participants and staff -

    We were excited to have several films from your lab that we screened at Copa Shorts! One audience member commented that they were delighted at the caliber of high school films - and your group really contributed to that quality!

    Thank you for participating!

    Shelley Gillespie
    Executive Director
    Copa Shorts Film Fest

  • Jonason Pauley

    We loved being a part of the festival this year. Though it was virtual, we had a nice time watching the films at home. I hope to be a part of the show when we are back in person.
    One unique aspect of this festival I really appreciated was the recommended age "rating" for the films. I wish every festival aware of the reality that there could be kids watching. It really helps me as a parent.

    November 2020
    Helpful
    csff horizontal colorlogo
    Response from festival:

    Hi Jonason -

    We appreciate your kind words!

    "Moving Day" was an easy choice for Director's Choice! Your film was so much fun! Attendees also loved it as it became the Audience Choice as well.

    Keep making comedy - it is so very much needed. And your sense of the comedic is very appealing.

    Shelley Gillespie
    Executive Director
    Copa Shorts Film Fest