NOTE:
Submissions are still open for the following Screenplay Competition categories ONLY: Feature Screenplay, Short Screenplay, and Episodic (60 Min) Screenplay. Submissions closed on February 15 for Feature Films, Short Films, and Episodic (30 Min) Screenplay, and we are no longer accepting submissions in these categories.

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

For six days in June, screenwriting and storytelling are celebrated with over 100 films screened (features and shorts, fiction and nonfiction) and through our Signature Programs, making NFF one of the most unique destination film festivals in the world.

SHOWTIME TONY COX SCREENPLAY COMPETITIONS:
Our Showtime Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions award over $7,000 total in cash prizes to winners, and include passes to the Nantucket Film Festival. Categories are Feature Screenplay, Short Screenplay, Episodic Screenplay (30 Min) Competition, Episodic Screenplay (60 Min) Competition.

Feature Screenplay Competition / Screenwriters Colony Residency:
In addition to a $5,000 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, Screenwriters Colony. Screenwriters Colony 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, Jennifer Maisel's THE LAST SEDER, Sophie Barthes' COLD SOULS, Jenny Deller's FUTURE WEATHER, Patrick Tobin's CAKE, and Stella Meghie's JEAN OF THE JONESES.

Episodic Screenplay (30 Min) Competition / Screenwriters Colony Residency:
In 2016, NFF and the Screenwriters Colony inaugurated an Episodic Comedy retreat in June on Nantucket. One of the four invite-only spots goes to the winner of the Episodic Screenplay (30 Min) Competition, again the ONLY public means of entry to the Colony. For two weeks leading up to the festival, four comedy writers enjoy complimentary housing and meals while they workshop their episodic comedy pilots, gain writers' room experience, and learn from visiting industry mentors. Selections from the workshopped pilots are presented as part of NFF, with retreat participants provided access to Festival programming and events.

FESTIVAL FILM PROGRAMMING:
Our feature film program consists of approximately 50 features and includes fiction and nonfiction. Recent NFF alums include WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?, BURDEN, THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS, THE WIFE, THE BIG SICK, AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL, WIND RIVER, PATTI CAKE$, CITY OF GHOSTS, LANDLINE, DON'T THINK TWICE, GLEASON, LITTLE MEN, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL, THE WOLFPACK, BOYHOOD, LAST DAYS IN VIETNAM, and 20 FEET FROM STARDOM.

Our short film program expanded in 2016 to include approximately 40 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, with short fiction filmmakers invited to participate in our annual private Mentors Brunch with a prominent screenwriter.

FESTIVAL SIGNATURE PROGRAMS:
Our world-class Signature Programs begin with the Screenwriters Tribute, honoring the achievements of a prominent screenwriter with past recipients including 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 5-minute 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 hosted by MSNBC's Chris Matthews; Staged Readings of unproduced screenplays; and the daily Morning Coffee panel series with attending filmmakers and other special guests.

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

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.

Showtime's Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions:

Feature Screenplay Competition:
This jury prize recognizes an emerging feature 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 filmmakers and film industry professionals with original and diverse points of view.

WINNER RECEIVES:
* $5,000 cash prize from the Nantucket Film Festival;
* All-inclusive month-long writer's retreat on Nantucket in October with Screenwriters Colony;
* Round-trip domestic airfare to Nantucket to attend the Festival;
* Complimentary accommodations at the Festival;
* VIP Festival Pass to all events;
* Participation in Mentor's Brunch during the Festival;
* A Showtime-sponsored reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Custom bound copy of the script, courtesy of Showtime;
* 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, Screenwriters Colony. The winner is selected by an industry jury from the top three finalists.

FINALISTS RECEIVE:
* Participation in Mentor's Brunch during the Festival;
* A Showtime-sponsored 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;
* Participation in Mentor's Brunch during the Festival;
* A Showtime-sponsored 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:
* Participation in Mentor's Brunch during the Festival;
* A Showtime-sponsored reception during the Festival;
* Festival Pass;
* Name inclusion on Festival website as a competition finalist.

Showtime's Tony Cox 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;
* One-on-one consultation with Showtime executive;
* Festival Pass to all events;
* Participation in Mentor's Brunch during the Festival;
* A Showtime-sponsored reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Custom bound copy of the script, courtesy of Showtime;
* 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;
* Participation in Mentor's Brunch during the Festival;
* A Showtime-sponsored reception during the Festival;
* Name inclusion on Festival website as a competition finalist.

Showtime's Tony Cox Episodic Comedy Screenplay (30 Min) Competition:
This jury prize recognizes an emerging original 30 min episodic comedy 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 prominent 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;
* All-inclusive two-weeks-long episodic comedy writer's retreat on Nantucket in June with Screenwriters Colony and NFF;
* One-on-one consultation with Showtime executive;
* Festival Pass;
* Participation in Mentor's Brunch during the Festival;
* A Showtime-sponsored reception during the Festival in the winners’ honor;
* Custom bound copy of the script, courtesy of Showtime;
* 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;
* Participation in Mentor's Brunch during the Festival;
* A Showtime-sponsored 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;
* 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, 2018;
* Feature films may not have been released theatrically or on DVD/VOD, appeared online, or aired on television in the U.S. prior to the festival;
* Short films may not have been released theatrically, on DVD/VOD, or on television in the U.S. 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). Only one cut of a film may be considered - replacement cuts are not accepted - so please keep this in mind when deciding when to submit. NFF will NOT screen a WIP at the festival - accepted films must be completed by early June.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Film title must be on all files and links;
* All submissions must be made via linked Vimeo link (preferred) or FilmFreeway's online screener system;
* 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;
* NOTE: The last deadline for Feature and Short submissions is February 15. The March 15 deadline does NOT apply to these categories.

ENTRY FEE:
* We accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) via FilmFreeway's payment system only;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* Do not submit if you do not intend to pay the entry fee - your film will not be watched.

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 RECEIVED AND 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 U.S. 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; only a single space is provided in the Colony; and only one writer will be flown and accommodated at the Festival, even if the winning screenplay was written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with entry fee paid, by entry deadline.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through FilmFreeway;
* 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 submission committee. Screenplays with names on 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;
* NOTE: The last deadline for this category is March 15. The February 15 deadline does NOT apply to this category.

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;
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages.
* Do not submit if you do not intend to pay the entry fee - your screenplay will not be read.

NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by the stated Notification date.

IMPORTANT:
* The winner is expected to participate in the Screenwriters Colony retreat the month of October 2019.
* If a screenplay wins the Showtime's 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: Showtime Tony Cox Feature Screenplay Competition.”

SCRIPT ANALYSIS OPTION:
* Analysis will be sent to entrant approximately within a month 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 Showtime's Tony Cox Feature Screenplay Competition.

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 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, even if the winning screenplay is written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with entry fee paid, by entry deadline.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through FilmFreeway;
* 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 submission committee. Screenplays with names on 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;
* NOTE: The last deadline for this category is March 15. The February 15 deadline does NOT apply to this category.

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;
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages;
* Do not submit if you do not intend to pay the entry fee - your screenplay will not be read.

NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by the stated Notification date.

IMPORTANT:
* If a screenplay wins the Showtime's Tony Cox Screenplay Competition Award and is produced, we require the following credit to be included in the completed film: “Winner, Nantucket Film Festival: Showtime's 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 (42-60 pages for 60 Min category); an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 60 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 entry deadline.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through FilmFreeway;
* 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 submission committee. Screenplays with names on 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;
* NOTE: The last deadline for this category is March 15. The February 15 deadline does NOT apply to this category.

ENTRY FEE:
* We accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) via FilmFreeway's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* A $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 60 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make arrangements for payment;
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages;
* Do not submit if you do not intend to pay the entry fee - your screenplay will not be read.

NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by the stated Notification date.

IMPORTANT:
* If a screenplay wins the Showtime's 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: Showtime's Tony Cox Episodic Screenplay Competition.”

EPISODIC COMEDY SCREENPLAY (30 MIN) COMPETITION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
* Episodic pilot scripts of any genre may be submitted, but note that they MUST prominently feature comedic elements which would benefit from participation in the Episodic Comedy Screenwriters Colony.
* 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 (21-30 pages for 30 Min category); an additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 30 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; only a single space is provided in the Colony, etc, even if the winning screenplay was written by a team;
* Screenplays must be completed and uploaded, with submission fee paid, by entry deadline.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
* Screenplays must be uploaded through FilmFreeway;
* 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 submission committee. Screenplays with names on 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 submission per entrant, provided that separate entries and fees accompany each submission;
* NOTE: The last deadline for this category is February 15. The March 15 deadline does NOT apply to this category.

ENTRY FEE:
* We accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) through FilmFreeway's payment system;
* Entry fees will not be returned;
* An additional $1 per page fee applies for scripts over 30 pages; Festival staff will be in contact to make arrangements for payment via credit card or personal check;
* The Festival reserves the right to impose a $20 surcharge for returned checks for overages;
* Do not submit if you do not intend to pay the entry fee - your screenplay will not be read.

NOTIFICATION:
* Entrants will be notified by the stated Notification date.

IMPORTANT:
* The winner is expected to participate in the Episodic Comedy Screenwriters Colony retreat the month of June 2019, and workshop the winning pilot screenplay.
* If a screenplay wins Showtime's 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: Showtime's Tony Cox Episodic Comedy Screenplay Competition.”

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 or 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. 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.

1 Review
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  • Courtney Suttle

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

    July 2019
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