The Global Drama Project Film Festival 2025

IMDB ELIGIBLE

This year, we will showcase selected short and feature films at our live screening event in New York City.

~ Live Q&As session with filmmakers ~
~ Red carpet award ceremony ~

This year, films will be showcased in blocks. On the evening of the event's final day, we will hold a red carpet awards ceremony honoring the winners of each category, along with Best Actor, Best International Filmmaker, Best Unproduced Script, and the Best of Fest grand prizes.

We are committed to fair opportunities and equal representation.

*All winning films will receive digital laurels and an award (can be shipped nationwide)*
Best of Fest - 300$ Cash Prize
Best Unproduced Screenplay - 100$ Cash Prize
Best Drama - WriterDuet Lifetime Premium License
Best in Queer Cinema - WriterDuet Lifetime Premium License
Best in BIPOC Cinema - WriterDuet Lifetime Premium License
Best Animation - WriterDuet Lifetime Premium License
Best Fantasy/Thriller - WriterDuet Lifetime Premium License
Best International Filmmaker - WriterDuet Lifetime Premium License

You may submit to all relevant categories.
Please read carefully before submission.
*Application fee - Must be paid when submitting, all payments are non refundable.
*You must be over the age of 18 to enter.
*Films must be under 40 minutes. (Including closing credits and title screen)
*All screenplays submitted to the Unproduced Screenplay Competition must be under 80 pages.
*Title (if multiple entries are submitted with the same name, the first submission reserves the rights, and subsequent submissions will be requested an alternate name)
*Selected films must send in a film logline (no longer than 50 words), film credit list, and film poster. A film trailer is not mandatory but preferable.
*Licensed media— Submitting filmmakers are responsible for properly determining ownership of media used for their festival entry, requesting permissions from any and all appropriate parties, and demonstrating permission to use licensed media as requested. Any and all instances of use of licensed media must be credited where required by the license holder. We reserve the right to request acceptable proof of the licensee’s authorization to use licensed media.
*We reserve the right to disqualify any entries that don’t abide by our rules
*Screening or Rental Fees - Global Drama Project will NOT CONSIDER films that require a screening or rental fee.
*Premiere Status- There is no premiere status policy for submission
*Inclusivity - The Festival and all festival-goers must be inclusive and respectful of people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, age, physical appearance and body size, language spoken, and immigration or economic status
*No media/film accepted and selected for programming can be pulled from the festival by the submitter or associates. Failing to comply may incur a fine depending on incurred expenses resulting from the project's withdrawal.
* Please note, there is a deliverables deadline for the venue. If you do not meet that deadline it is possible we will not be able to screen your content. Deliverables are the responsibility of the person submitting them.
*Processing of all digital awards may take up to one month after the event. Cash Prize awards are digital awards.
*WriterDuet lifetime memberships are subject to WriterDuet's terms and conditions. For more information, visit https://www.writerduet.com/
*Global Drama Project reserves the right to adjust the date, time, venue, or any other practical details based on the needs of the festival.

1. I, the representative of the project being submitted (the "Film"), acknowledge and agree as follows in connection with the Film's submittal to the Global Drama Project (the "GDP") for consideration for the Global Drama Project Film Festival (the "Festival"):
2. I hereby represent and warrant to the Festival that (a) I am duly authorized, on my own behalf and on behalf of all other persons or entities who have any ownership rights in the Film, to exhibit this Film at the Festival, (b) this exhibition will not violate any law or any right or consent of any person or entity and (c) the Film is not subject to litigation nor is it threatened by any litigation.
3. I further represent and warrant that, to the best of my knowledge, the exhibition of the Film at the Festival will not violate or infringe any copyright, patent, privacy right, publicity right, trademark, service mark or any other personal or property right of any person or entity and that my Film does not constitute a defamation of any person or entity. I have paid and will pay in full all license fees, clearance fees, and other obligations, of any kind, arising from the exhibition of the Film in connection with the Festival.
4. If accepted, I acknowledge that the Festival's presentation of the Film does not create any confidential or fiduciary relationship between the Festival and I. I understand that I will not receive any compensation for such exploitation, although some prizes at the Festival may include cash awards. I acknowledge that no obligation of any kind is assumed by or may be implied against the Festival or the GDP because of the Festival's selection of the Film. I understand and acknowledge that the selection of my Film by the Festival does not in any way constitute an express or implied endorsement or approval by the Festival or the GDP of the content of the Film or any opinion expressed therein.
5. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the GDP, the Festival, the affiliate, subsidiary and parent entities of each, and the officers, directors, employees, attorneys, advisors and agents of each of the foregoing from and against any and all claims, losses, or liabilities (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that may be asserted against any of the foregoing or incurred by any of the foregoing at any time in connection with the Film or the Festival's use thereof, and/or arising from any breach or alleged breach of any representation made by me to the Institute or the Festival.
6. If accepted, I hereby grant without reservations, to the Festival, and their related entities (a) the right to use footage, stills and/or titles, and information from the Film for promotional purposes, (b) the right to issue and authorize publicity concerning the filmmakers and the Film and to use all associated names, likenesses and biographical information and (c) the right to use footage, stills, and/or titles at the Festival's events. I also agree to provide contact information for the director and producer(s) of the Film and grant the Festival the right to provide this information to film industry organizations sponsoring Festival events at its discretion.
7. I represent that I am 18 years of age or older. I agree that any controversy arising out of or in connection with my Film and the Festival will be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York and conclusively determined by arbitration in the City of New York in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association before a single arbitrator mutually agreed by the parties. I hereby waive any and all rights and benefits which I might otherwise have or be entitled to litigate any such dispute in court, including without limitation a trial by jury.
8. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the rules and regulations for submitting a film to the Festival.
9. By clicking "I Agree" below, or by submitting a film to GDP, I constitute my full and complete acceptance of the terms hereof. I acknowledge that no oral representations of any kind have been made by the GDP or the Festival.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Deadhouse Distribution

    Taking part in the Global Drama Project in New York was a wonderful experience. The organizers, who were very young but extremely knowledgeable, showed great professionalism, taste, and attention to detail in selecting the short films. Everything was taken care of down to the last detail, and the atmosphere was welcoming, warm, and truly special.

    I thank them wholeheartedly, not only for my short film's victory, but for the opportunity to be part of such an authentic and truly genuine event. I hope to return soon for future editions!

    November 2025
  • Amir Zargara

    Thanks for having us :)

    November 2025
  • Excellent festival! Highly recommend!

    Thank you everyone at Global Drama!

    October 2025
  • Alexandra Nackley

    I had an absolutely amazing experience at this festival! The selection of films was incredible, showcasing a diverse range of stories and talents that captivated the audience. The filmmakers who participated in the Q&A sessions were insightful and engaging, making for a truly inspiring experience.

    The festival was also a fantastic networking opportunity, where I connected with many like-minded creatives. The organization was top-notch, with smooth communication from the organizers who were friendly, approachable, and helpful throughout the entire process.

    Overall, I had a wonderful time and look forward to attending again in the future. Highly recommend!

    October 2024
    Response from festival:

    Wow! Thank you so much, Alexandra, for this review and especially for coming to the festival and sharing your work with us. It was truly a pleasure!

  • Shania Zhou

    We had a wonderful experience with Global Drama Project, and received an honorable mention award for our animated short film “Rock”. Everyone was very helpful and welcoming, this festival was a wonderful time. It was in a cozy theater with many talented filmmakers, and everyone was so supportive! Overall a great festival experience, thank you!

    October 2024
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words!