The Minority International Script Festival is a global call for writers who believe in the power of short stories to inspire, transform, and give voice to underrepresented communities. Organized from New York by the Minority Arts & Media Foundation, this festival is 100% online and welcomes screenwriters from around the world who write in Spanish, English, or Portuguese.

This international competition is exclusively open to short fiction screenplays and brief theatrical scripts, with a length between 1 and 15 pages. We are looking for original, creative stories that deliver powerful messages promoting inclusion, diversity, and social justice.

Our goal is to offer an inclusive, professional, and accessible platform where both emerging and established writers can showcase their talent, reach new audiences, and be recognized for their narratives that contribute to cultural transformation.

In addition to the cash prizes, winning scripts will be highlighted on our official platforms and may be selected for future stage or screen adaptations in collaboration with the foundation and its partners.

This festival is held entirely online, allowing writers from any country to participate without geographical barriers. All you need is a great story and the desire to share it with the world.

By joining the Minority International Script Festival, you become part of a global community of creators committed to using art as a tool for social change. This is your chance for your script to be read, valued, and celebrated for its authenticity, message, and impact.

Awards & Prizes

We recognize excellence in short-form scriptwriting through the following categories.
Winners of the Minority International Script Festival will receive institutional recognition and cash prizes:
• 1st Place: $500 USD
• 2nd Place: $250 USD
• 3rd Place: $100 USD

In addition to the cash prizes, winning scripts will be highlighted across the foundation’s official digital platforms and celebrated within our international creative community.

Some scripts may also be considered for future stage or screen adaptations, in collaboration with the Minority Arts & Media Foundation and its artistic partners.

Likewise, the top short scripts may be selected for potential production and submission to film festivals, depending on feasibility and alignment with the foundation’s future projects. This opportunity reflects our commitment to developing new talent and promoting impactful stories.

This recognition not only celebrates the literary and cultural contributions of minority writers, but also opens doors to greater industry visibility and professional growth.

Rules & Terms

Official Rules – Minority International Script Festival 2025

To participate in the Minority International Script Festival, all submissions must comply with the following rules and conditions. This international competition aims to promote stories that elevate diverse voices and generate a positive cultural impact.

• Scripts must be original works submitted by the author or by someone authorized to submit on their behalf.
• We accept short fiction screenplays and brief theatrical scripts, written in Spanish, English, or Portuguese.
• Scripts must be between 1 and 15 pages in length.
All genres are welcome, including:
• Drama, Comedy, Thriller, Horror, Romance, Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Musical, among others.

However, all submissions must include or reflect themes of inclusion, diversity, social justice, or representation of minority communities, whether through the characters, conflict, context, or the author’s perspective.
• Only PDF format will be accepted.
• Each submission must include:
• Title of the script
• Short logline (1–2 lines)
• Name(s) of the author(s)
• Writer’s bio or statement of intent (optional)

Scripts that have already been produced for stage or screen, or adaptations of copyrighted works, will not be accepted.

Each writer may submit multiple scripts, as long as each submission is accompanied by its corresponding entry fee. One entry = one script.

Submissions will be open from May 15 to August 15, 2025, exclusively online through our official platform or via www.minorityartsandmedia.org/script.

By submitting your script, you authorize the Minority Arts & Media Foundation to read, evaluate, and, if selected, share excerpts on its digital platforms.

Selected scripts may be considered for future stage or screen adaptations, in collaboration with the foundation and its artistic partners.

The top-rated script may be selected for potential production and festival submission, depending on feasibility and alignment with the foundation’s upcoming projects.

Scripts will be reviewed by a jury of professionals with expertise in writing, cultural diversity, and the performing arts. Evaluation will consider:

• Originality and creativity
• Narrative clarity and structure
• Thematic depth and emotional impact
• Alignment with the festival’s values of inclusion

Legal Responsibility:
• Participants must guarantee that the submitted work is their own and that it does not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, or any other intellectual property rights.
• Any use of protected content within the script must be properly authorized.
• Submission of a script implies full acceptance of these terms and conditions.
3 Reviews
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  • Mario Valdivieso

    Couldn't attend but was honored to be a part of this festival. We were also honored with our film winning Best Actor at this festival. Would've loved a little more notice to attend as I don't live in the East Coast but they were gracious enough to allow us to have someone pick up the award on our behalf. Great to have a festival that honors inclusion in front and behind the camera. Will be submitting again.

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Richard E Haywood

    Great festival, with personal communication. I look forward to next year.

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Giovanni Lozada

    Being their first year, it was rough in organizing times available for people to attend. However, the organizers and surrounding community here are ready and willing to continue making this blossom and grow into a new center for filmmakers to showcase their talents and bring diversity, inclusion, and representation to the forefront. I'm proud of them for their first steps, that I was fortunate to be part of that first run, and I look forward to them in the years to come.

    - Giovanni

    October 2024
    Helpful