OUR MISSION:

The MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL SCREENPLAY AWARDS (MISA) is dedicated to discovering and championing exceptional independent screenwriting talent from around the world. We celebrate bold storytelling, compelling characters, and unique voices that push the boundaries of cinema and television.

Each month, we provide writers with the opportunity to have their work recognised and celebrated across a wide range of categories and genres. Whether you’re an emerging or an established screenwriter, MISA is committed to supporting your creative journey and helping you take the next step in your career.

All category winners and finalists are announced on our Instagram page on the official notification date each season. Each winner and finalist also receives their own dedicated post along with a brief screenplay analysis.

We also offer an in-depth script analysis and evaluation service, available for purchase via the drop-down menu.

Our panelists are recipients of numerous awards from esteemed international film festivals, including the Cannes International Screenplay Awards, and are the creators of projects developed and funded by Screen Australia, VicScreen, and the MIFF Premiere Fund. With deep industry insight and a passion for championing new voices, our judges are committed to identifying bold, original scripts with the potential to resonate on a global stage.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION:

• Monthly Competitions: We offer a rolling submission process, ensuring that screenwriters receive timely recognition for their work.
• Diverse Categories: From feature films to short scripts, pilots, and web series, we celebrate all formats and genres.
• Global Reach, Local Heart: Based in Melbourne Australia, MISA welcomes international submissions, fostering a worldwide community of passionate storytellers.

Join us in celebrating the art of screenwriting - submit your script today!

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay
Best Drama Screenplay
Best Horror Screenplay
Best Sci-Fi Screenplay
Best Thriller Screenplay
Best Comedy Screenplay
Best Mystery Screenplay
Best Crime Screenplay
Best Action Screenplay
Best Rom-Com Screenplay
Best Web Series Screenplay
Best TV Pilot Screenplay
Best First-time Feature Screenwriter

Rules & Terms

• Entries must be in English
• Submissions via PDF file only
• Revised versions of submitted scripts will not be accepted within the same competition cycle
• Scripts that have been produced, optioned, or have any existing rights agreements (e.g., attached talent, development deals) are ineligible
• All submitted materials must be the original work of the author(s)
• Adaptations of prior works must give source material credit
• Decisions of judges are final as per industry criteria
• Pages should be numbered
• Full-Length Feature Scripts: 160 pages or under
• Short Film Scripts: 30 pages or under
• TV Pilots: 130 pages or under
• Feedback is subjective and based on industry standards. MISA makes no guarantees regarding the impact or accuracy of feedback provided
• No warranties are expressed or implied as to the utility, value, or accuracy of statements written or spoken by our reader-analysts with regard to material submitted to us by writers, customers, or contest entrants
• Comments provided by judges, readers, administrators, or other writers are based upon personal opinion only and do not reflect the opinions of management; management assumes no responsibility the academic, creative, professional, economic, or emotional impact or consequences of the opinions we provide
• By submitting, writers agree that MISA and its affiliates are not liable for any claims related to the evaluation or handling of submitted material
• Material submitted to the competition is solely at the risk of the individual registering, entering, or offering written material for scoring, analysis, judgment, or commentary
• Once submitted material has been read, reviewed, analysed, critiqued, scored, or commented upon by assessors, producers, employees, representatives, or management of MISA, no refund of entry fee will be made
• All submitted material remains the property of the writer(s). MISA will not claim any rights to submitted scripts

71 Reviews
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  • asher greenwood

    Being a first-time script writer and grappling with the pressure of recording a story inspired by real events and people, this award from MISA helps to alleviate the feeling of utter terror experienced when pressing the submit button. Thank you MISA for your support.

    July 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words. We're honoured you trusted us with your story, and thrilled the recognition has helped ease some of those first-time nerves. Congratulations again! Team MISA.

  • Barbara Prentis

    My experience with the MISA team has been very positive, due to their encouraging style of providing relevant feedback aimed specifically to improve my project. It is a really great resource for writers to access to get quality, professional insights from. Thanks, and I'll be back!

    July 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words. It's been a genuine pleasure to witness your journey, from your initial draft, through thoughtfully implementing the feedback, to seeing your latest pass place in the competition. Watching writers grow and seeing their work evolve is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. We can't wait to see what you write next, Barbara. Kindest regards, Team MISA.

  • Jack Maxwell

    Thank you for choosing my TV Pilot Tell Me About It as a finalist. I am grateful.
    Congratulations to all the entrants!

    July 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for entrusting us with your work, Jack! And congratulations on your well deserved placement. We hope to see more of your work in the future. Team MISA.

  • Larry Wilkerson

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    My experience with the Melbourne International Screenplay Awards has been outstanding from beginning to end.

    I elected to purchase screenplay coverage and received an exceptionally detailed eight-page evaluation of my feature screenplay. The feedback was thoughtful, thorough, and professionally presented, offering both encouragement and practical suggestions that helped me strengthen my script. It was clear that my screenplay had been read carefully and evaluated with genuine attention.

    I was honored to have my screenplay recognized as a Finalist for Best Horror Feature, an achievement that made the experience even more meaningful. Seeing the festival publicly recognize finalists and celebrate writers' accomplishments demonstrates a genuine appreciation for independent screenwriters and the work they invest in their stories.

    The communication throughout the process was professional, and the overall experience exceeded my expectations. Whether you're looking for high-quality screenplay feedback, meaningful recognition, or both, I highly recommend the Melbourne International Screenplay Awards.

    I look forward to submitting future projects and participating again.

    July 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review, Larry. We're incredibly grateful you trusted us with your screenplay, and we're delighted the feedback and recognition were valuable to you. Congratulations again on being our Best Horror Feature Finalist, and we can't wait to read what you write next!

  • Susan Daniel

    I am so glad I decided to go with my instincts on this one. What started as a means to get my scripts out there, turned into something so surreal. Thank you so much for selecting Blue Mornings as a Finalist for Best Comedy Screenplay, it is a huge honour that truly means the World to me. I will persevere to get it made now.

    July 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much for sharing your work with us Susan! We wish you every success with the project and hope to see more of your writing in the future!