The Nantucket Film Festival is committed to presenting our event during the summer of 2023 and hopes to be able to host an in-person festival. Should public health directives rule out a strictly in-person gathering, we will pursue either a hybrid model of both in-person and online screenings or an exclusively online model. Films submitted to the Nantucket Film Festival via FilmFreeway will be considered for whatever format is deemed most appropriate, safe, and feasible in these circumstances. We will provide updates as we become aware of any shifts to our planned presentation. Should you have any questions, please contact us at submissions@nantucketfilmfestival.org.

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The Nantucket Film Festival (NFF) was founded in 1996 to spotlight screenwriters and the art of screenwriting in cinema. From its inception, NFF has been dedicated to the notion that the screenwriter's contribution is at the core of filmmaking.

In June on Nantucket, screenwriting and storytelling are celebrated with over 60 films screened (features and shorts, both fiction and nonfiction) and through our Signature Programs, making NFF one of the most unique destination film festivals in the world.

FILM PROGRAMMING:
Our feature film program consists of approximately 30 features and includes both fiction and nonfiction. Recent NFF alums include CODA, FIRE OF LOVE, MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON, SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED).

Our short film program includes approximately 30 films. Nearly all of NFF's programmed short films are submitted through FilmFreeway. Attending short filmmakers have access to NFF's programming, including special Signature Programs.

FESTIVAL SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:
Our world-class Signature Programs begin with the Screenwriters Tribute, honoring the achievements of a prominent screenwriter with past recipients including Barry Jenkins, Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, Ramin Bahrani, Leslie Dixon, Noah Baumbach, Tom McCarthy, Oliver Stone, Robert Towne, Aaron Sorkin, David O. Russell, Nancy Meyers, Barry Levinson, Judd Apatow, Alexander Payne, and Charlie Kaufman.

Other Signature Programs include the always-popular All-Star Comedy Roundtable; Late Night Storytelling, which has featured short stories from Jim Carrey, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Mos Def, Sarah Silverman, Michael Ian Black, Mike Birbiglia, Lili Taylor, Rosie Perez, and Alan Cumming; In Their Shoes... conversations; Staged Readings of unproduced screenplays; Afternoon Tea Talks with notable guests; and our daily Morning Coffee panel series with attending filmmakers.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM PARTNERSHIPS:
Our ongoing program partnerships include Alamanack Screenwriters, Facing History & Ourselves, and others.

TONY COX SCREENPLAY COMPETITIONS:
The Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions award cash prizes to winners, and include passes to the Nantucket Film Festival. Categories are Feature Screenplay, Short Screenplay, Episodic Screenplay (30 Min) Competition, and Episodic Screenplay (60 Min) Competition.

Feature Screenplay Competition / Almanack Screenwriters Residency:
In addition to a $2,000 cash prize, the Feature Screenplay Competition winner is invited to participate in a month-long writer's retreat on Nantucket in October through our sister organization, Almanack Screenwriters. Almanack Screenwriters is an invite-only retreat for four writers each year, featuring complimentary housing and meals, affording time and space for writers to hone their screenplays under the mentorship of visiting industry professionals. The winner of NFF's Feature Screenplay Competition is the ONLY public means of entry to the Colony.

Notable Feature Screenplay Competition winners to have been produced and distributed theatrically include Debra Granik's DOWN TO THE BONE, Sophie Barthes' COLD SOULS, Jenny Deller's FUTURE WEATHER, Patrick Tobin's CAKE, Stella Meghie's JEAN OF THE JONESES, and Sameh Zoabi's TEL AVIV ON FIRE.

Awards & Prizes

Audience Awards:
For this much-loved annual distinction, the audience picks its favorite films. All new narrative and documentary feature films are eligible.

Adrienne Shelly Foundation Excellence in Filmmaking Award:
Presented to an outstanding female filmmaker in honor and remembrance of Adrienne Shelly’s film legacy. All feature films (narratives and documentaries) written and/or directed by women are eligible for this prize. Sponsored by the Adrienne Shelly Foundation, with a $5,000 cash prize.

Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions:
These four awards total $5,000 in cash, in addition to several other prizes. The winner of the Feature Screenplay Competition is invited to participate in a month-long writer's retreat on Nantucket in October through our sister organization, Almanack Screenwriters.

Feature Screenplay Competition:
This jury prize recognizes an emerging feature screenplay as the best from the pool of submissions each year. The winner is selected by an industry jury from the top three finalists.

WINNER RECEIVES:
* $2,500 cash prize from the Nantucket Film Festival;
* All-inclusive month-long writer's retreat on Nantucket in October with Almanack Screenwriters;
* All-Access Pass for the NFF 2022 Festival in June;
* An awards reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Custom bound copy of the script;
* Name inclusion in press release and on Festival website as a competition winner and finalist.

Our finalists are recognized as one of the top three screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top three finalists are selected from a pool of 10 semi-finalists and determined by the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival, in conjunction with our partner, Almanack Screenwriters.

FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* An awards reception during the Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* Name inclusion on Festival website as a competition finalist.

Our semi-finalists are recognized as one of the top 10 screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top 10 semi-finalists are narrowed down from all submissions by our reader committee, comprised of industry professionals, alongside the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival.

SEMI-FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* Name inclusion on Festival website as a competition semi-finalist.

Short Screenplay Competition:
This jury prize recognizes an emerging short screenplay as the best from the pool of submissions each year. The jury, which reviews the top three finalists to determine a winner, is composed of professional filmmakers and film industry professionals with original and diverse points of view.

WINNER RECEIVES:
* $500 cash prize from the Nantucket Film Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Name inclusion in press release and on Festival website as a competition winner and finalist.

Our finalists are recognized as one of the top three screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top three finalists are narrowed down from all submissions by our reader committee, comprised of industry professionals, alongside the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival.

FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* An awards reception during the Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* Name inclusion on Festival website as a competition finalist.

Episodic Screenplay (60 Min) Competition:
This jury prize recognizes an emerging original 60 min episodic pilot as the best from the pool of submissions each year. The jury, which reviews the top three finalists to determine a winner, is composed of writers, producers, actors, or executives from the TV industry with original and diverse points of view.

WINNER RECEIVES:
* $1,000 cash prize from the Nantucket Film Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Custom bound copy of the script;
* Name inclusion on Festival website as a competition finalist and winner.

Our finalists are recognized as one of the top three screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top three finalists are narrowed down from all submissions by our reader committee, comprised of industry professionals, alongside the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival.

FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival;
* Name inclusion on Festival website as a competition finalist.

Episodic Screenplay (30 Min) Competition:
This jury prize recognizes an emerging original 30 min episodic pilot as the best from the pool of submissions each year. The jury reviews the top three finalists to determine a winner, and is composed of writers, producers, actors, and executives from the TV industry with original and diverse points of view.

WINNER RECEIVES:
* $1,000 cash prize from the Nantucket Film Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Custom bound copy of the script;
* Name inclusion on Festival website as a competition finalist and winner.

Our finalists are recognized as one of the top three screenplays from the pool of submissions each year. The top three finalists are narrowed down from all submissions by our reader committee, comprised of industry professionals, alongside the programmers and executive staff of the Nantucket Film Festival.

FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* Festival Pass;
* An awards reception during the Festival;
* Name inclusion on Festival website as a competition finalist.

Rules & Terms

MAKE SURE TO READ ALL ELIGIBILITY AND OTHER RULES BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FILM OR SCREENPLAY.

FILM SUBMISSION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Films must be available for exhibition on DCP in the case of physical screenings, or must be uploaded to NFF's online screening platform in the case of online screenings;
* Entries must be completed - including providing submission fee payment and a Vimeo link or FilmFreeway online screener for films - by the deadline date;
* NFF will only consider previously submitted films if the new version has changed significantly. Do not send the same cut - the film should be a distinct reworking of the previously submitted version. If you are in doubt, it probably hasn’t changed enough;
* To be considered for NFF, submitted films should not have had their world premiere before March 1, 2022;
* Feature films may not have been released theatrically or on DVD/VOD, appeared online, or aired on television in the US prior to the festival;
* Short films may not have been released theatrically, on DVD/VOD, or on television in the US prior to the festival. If the film has screened online, the filmmaker is required to include this information in the submission cover letter or by writing to submissions@nantucketfilmfestival.org;
* If you are submitting a work-in-progress, your screener must be clearly marked as a work-in-progress or rough cut. It's a good idea to include an initial card in your screener with concise bullet points indicating what is not complete (ie, no color correction, temp sound mix, etc);
* NFF will NOT screen a work-in-progress at the festival - accepted films must be completed by early June;
* Note: Due to limited time and internal deadlines, NFF will only guarantee that one cut of a film will be viewed. If you send an updated cut after the initial cut has been evaluated, it is unlikely that the replacement cut will be viewed;
* A cut of your film must be available to view at the time of submission.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Film title must be on all files and links;
* All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway, with a linked Vimeo link or video uploaded to FilmFreeway's online screener system at the time of submission;
* Keep a copy of your completed application for reference;
* Applicants may check the status of submission directly on FilmFreeway - NFF does not send out submission confirmations;
* Applicants will be notified of the festival's decision by the stated Notification Date.

ENTRY FEE:
* Entry fees may only be paid via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) through FilmFreeway's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned.

IF SELECTED:
* Photographs and press kit will be needed immediately;
* Exhibition copies are due on Nantucket by early June;
* Filmmaker agrees that s/he will be solely responsible for the delivery of his/her exhibition copy to and from the festival.

ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY NFF BY THEIR RESPECTIVE DEADLINE. TO BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE, VIMEO LINK OR FFW ONLINE SCREENER MUST BE AVAILABLE AND THE SUBMISSION FEE PAID BY THE RESPECTIVE DEADLINE.

SCREENPLAY COMPETITIONS

FEATURE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Screenplays must be standard feature length (80-125 pages) and standard US format only; an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 125 pages; entrants will be contacted by Festival staff to arrange for payment for page overage fees;
* Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
* While it is not mandatory that Screenplays have an official copyright, NFF strongly encourages writers to register for a copyright. NFF also strongly suggests writers register their script(s) with the Writers Guild of America. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information on how to do so.
* Screenplays must be in English;
* Adaptations of previously published or produced material are accepted, but official documentation of rights to adapt the material must be available upon request;
* Collaborations are accepted, but please note that ALL PRIZES ARE AWARDED TO A SINGLE WRITER ONLY - ie, NFF would provide a single check made out to one writer; and only a single space is provided in the Colony, even if the winning screenplay was written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with entry fee paid, by the entry deadline.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through FilmFreeway or on Coverfly (https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/nantucket-film-festival-tony-cox-screenplay-competition-2023);
* Screenplays must have a title page that includes only the project title. The applicant’s name MUST NOT appear on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay; all documents must be anonymous for the submission committee. Screenplays with names on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay will be DISQUALIFIED;
* Keep records of your entry for reference;
* There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant, provided that separate entries and fees accompany each submission.

ENTRY FEE:
* We accept payment via FilmFreeway's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* An additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 125 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make arrangements for payment. If have any issues please submit on Coverfly (https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/nantucket-film-festival-tony-cox-screenplay-competition-2023);
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.

NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by May 26, 2023.

IMPORTANT:
* The winner is expected to participate in the Almanack Screenwriters retreat in the month of October 2023.
* If a screenplay wins the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award and is produced, we require the following credit to be included within the completed film's credits: “Winner, Nantucket Film Festival: Tony Cox Feature Screenplay Competition.”

SCRIPT ANALYSIS OPTION:
* Analysis will be sent to entrant approximately within 4-6 weeks after confirmation of your submission;
* Our Script Analysis readers come from our Screenplay Competition readers committee and are selected for their breadth of knowledge and experience in reading screenplays (at least five years professionally). The author of each individual analysis is kept anonymous and is therefore not available to speak by phone regarding your analysis. You may reach out to our programming staff at submissions@nantucketfilmfestival.org to discuss any questions you may have regarding your analysis after its receipt;
* All submissions received for Script Analysis Option will be considered alongside all other submissions for the Tony Cox Feature Screenplay Competition.
* Script Analysis is not available via FilmFreeway. Instead, please visit http://nantucketfilmfestival.org/submit/screenplays for more information.

SHORT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Short screenplays must be 40 pages or shorter; an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 40 pages; entrants will be contacted by Festival staff to make arrangements for payment. If have any issues please submit on Coverfly (https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/nantucket-film-festival-tony-cox-screenplay-competition-2023);
* Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
* While it is not mandatory that Screenplays have an official copyright, NFF strongly encourages writers to register for a copyright. NFF also strongly suggests writers register their script(s) with the Writers Guild of America. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information on how to do so.
* Screenplays must be in English;
* Adaptations of previously published or produced material are accepted, but official documentation of rights to adapt the material must be available upon request;
* Collaborations are accepted, but please note that all prizes are awarded to a single writer only - ie, NFF would provide a single check made out to one writer, even if the winning screenplay is written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with entry fee paid, by the entry deadline.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
*Screenplays must be uploaded through FilmFreeway or Coverfly (https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/nantucket-film-festival-tony-cox-screenplay-competition-2023);
* Screenplays must have a title page that includes only the project title. The applicant’s name MUST NOT appear on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay; all documents must be anonymous for the submission committee. Screenplays with names on the cover or any other pages of screenplay WILL BE DISQUALIFIED;
* Keep records of your entry for reference;
* There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant, provided that separate entries and fees accompany each submission.

ENTRY FEE:
* We accept payment made through FilmFreeway's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* An additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 40 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make arrangements for payment, or if you have any issues please submit on Coverfly (https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/nantucket-film-festival-tony-cox-screenplay-competition-2023);
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.

NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by May 26, 2023.

IMPORTANT:
* If a screenplay wins the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award and is produced, we require the following credit to be included in the completed film: “Winner, Nantucket Film Festival: Tony Cox Short Screenplay Competition.”

EPISODIC SCREENPLAY (60 MIN) COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Must be an original pilot script. We do not accept spec scripts for spinoffs of existing shows. Must be the FIRST EPISODE ONLY;
* Electronic copy of your submissions MUST INCLUDE a season and/or series synopsis. One paragraph total summary is preferred; one page total summary is the maximum.
* Scripts must be standard episodic television length (45-62 pages for 60 Min category); an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 62 pages; entrants will be contacted by Festival staff to arrange for payment for page overage fees;
* We do not accept scripts/treatments for reality TV shows;
* Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
* While it is not mandatory that Screenplays have an official copyright, NFF strongly encourages writers to register for a copyright. NFF also strongly suggests writers register their script(s) with the Writers Guild of America. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information on how to do so.
* Screenplays must be in English;
* Adaptations of previously published or produced material are accepted, but official documentation of rights to adapt the material must be available upon request;
* Collaborations are accepted, but please note that all prizes are awarded to a single writer only - ie, NFF would provide a single check made out to one writer, even if the winning pilot was written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with entry fee paid, by the entry deadline.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through FilmFreeway or Coverfly (https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/nantucket-film-festival-tony-cox-screenplay-competition-2023);
* Screenplays must have a title page that includes only the project title. The applicant’s name MUST NOT appear on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay; all documents must be anonymous for the submission committee. Screenplays with names on the cover or any other pages of screenplay will be DISQUALIFIED;
* Keep records of your entry for reference;
* There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant, provided that separate entries and fees accompany each submission.

ENTRY FEE:
* We accept payment made through FilmFreeway's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* A $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 62 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make arrangements for payment; Festival staff will be in contact to make arrangements for payment. If have any issues please submit on Coverfly (https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/nantucket-film-festival-tony-cox-screenplay-competition-2023);
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.

NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by May 26, 2023.

IMPORTANT:
* If a screenplay wins the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award and is produced, we require the following credit to be included on screen for the pilot: “Winner, Nantucket Film Festival: Tony Cox Episodic Screenplay Competition.”

EPISODIC SCREENPLAY (30 MIN) COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Episodic pilot scripts of any genre may be submitted;
* Must be an original pilot script. We do not accept spec scripts for spinoffs of existing shows. Must be the FIRST EPISODE ONLY;
* Electronic copy of your submissions MUST INCLUDE a series and/or season synopsis. One paragraph total summary is preferred; one page total summary is the maximum.
* Scripts must be standard episodic television length (25-42 pages for 30 Min category); an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 42 pages; entrants will be contacted by Festival staff to arrange for payment for page overage fees;
* We do not accept scripts/treatments for reality TV shows;
* Screenplays may not already have been produced or currently be in active production;
* While copyrights are not mandatory for submitted screenplays, NFF strongly encourages writers to register for a copyright. NFF also strongly suggests writers register their script(s) with the Writers Guild of America. Visit www.wgawregistry.org for information on how to do so.
* Screenplays must be in English;
* Adaptations of previously published or produced material are accepted, but official documentation of rights to adapt the material must be available upon request;
* Collaborations are accepted, but please note that all prizes are awarded to a single writer only - ie, NFF would provide a single check made out to one writer, etc, even if the winning screenplay was written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with the submission fee paid, by the entry deadline.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through FilmFreeway or on Coverfly (https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/nantucket-film-festival-tony-cox-screenplay-competition-2023);
* Screenplays must have a title page which includes only the project title. The applicant’s name MUST NOT appear on the cover or any other pages of the screenplay; all documents must be anonymous for the submission committee. Screenplays with names on the cover or any other pages of screenplay WILL BE DISQUALIFIED;
* Keep records of your entry for reference;
* There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant, provided that separate entries and fees accompany each submission;

ENTRY FEE:
* We accept payment made through FilmFreeway's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* An additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 42 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make arrangements for payment. If have any issues please submit on Coverfly (https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/nantucket-film-festival-tony-cox-screenplay-competition-2023);
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.

NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by May 26, 2023.

IMPORTANT:
* If a screenplay wins the Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award and is produced, we ask for the following credit to be included on screen for the pilot: “Winner, Nantucket Film Festival: Tony Cox Episodic Screenplay Competition.”

TERMS:
I acknowledge and agree as follows:
1. I have read, understood, and complied with all eligibility requirements of the categories for which I would like this film/screenplay to be considered;
2. To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true;
3. This film/screenplay is not subject to litigation nor is threatened by any litigation;
4. I am duly authorized to submit this film/screenplay to the Festival and its Competition;
5. By entering your work in the Nantucket Film Festival, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online and cloud-based services and databases for hosting, managing and/or transmitting your submission file(s) for our internal review;
6. I hold the Nantucket Film Festival harmless from damage to or loss of my film print to or from the Festival or otherwise during the course of the Festival's possession of the film. I certify that I hold all necessary rights for this submission and accept the regulations of the Nantucket Film Festival.
7. The Nantucket Film Festival has the right to change any information contained in this document (including Festival dates, venues, events, presentation format, awards, and eligibility requirements) without further notice.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Zoë Greenbaum

    There aren't enough ways to express our gratitude that Zoë Greenbaum's feature-length screenplay, Hanging Gardens of the Sea & Sky, was selected as a semifinalist for the 2022 Tony Cox Awards. Being in beautiful Nantucket for this extraordinary festival, the festival's tremendous care for Zoë as a selected scriptwriter, the grace and elegance of all the Nantucket families who sponsored events, and the brilliance of everyone involved in the festival made this a truly wonderful experience for us. We chose to come for the entire festival which allowed us to see a very thoughtfully curated selection of some of the year's most intriguing and inspiring films. So grateful to everyone at Nantucket and to the Cox Family for welcoming us!

    September 2022
    Helpful
  • Jeffrey James Keyes

    Nantucket Film Festival & Screenplay Competition was hands down one of the best festivals we've participated in this season. Their programming is excellent and we gained quite a bit from the experience of attending. Thank you to the organizers and for the opportunity to submit. Placing in your competition is truly an honor, and we are grateful for the opportunities you have provided because of it. We will definitely submit again and attend the festival next year.

    July 2022
    Helpful
  • Katherine Sainte-Marie

    This is a brilliant festival for screenwriters! Highly recommended. Thank you so much Beth, Anita, and the team at Nantucket for all your support.

    August 2021
    Helpful
  • Ellie Foumbi

    Nantucket was INCREDIBLE!! By far one of the best festivals I have ever attended. The programming was so strong and all the networking events were spectacular. Screenwriting Night was the highlight of my time there. Look forward to submitting another film!

    August 2019
    Helpful
  • Courtney Suttle

    Definitely worth the submission fee. Communications were timely and professional. Looking forward to entering next year!

    July 2019
    Helpful