Are you a writer aged 19 or under? We want to make your short film screenplay!

Southside Film Youth Initiative is offering a screenwriter the opportunity to have their short screenplay produced by young filmmakers on Chicago's south side. Each summer for the past 11 years, students from Chicago Public Schools have produced award winning films. Many have screened at international festivals and two have won National Emmy Awards. While up until this point the students have written their own work, we are interested in opening up the program to stories that have originated elsewhere but resonate with today's youth on a universal level.

We're looking for a short screenplay, 12 pages or less, with minimal cast and locations.

Writers should be aware that should your script be chosen, it will be filmed in Chicago Illinois. And while the plot, themes and characters will remain intact, it may be adapted to suit the language and culture of the students who will be directing/producing it. All we ask is that you submit in english. If this sounds like the collaborative sort of project you'd like to be a part of, send us your work!

Awards & Prizes

None, but credit for story and screenplay will be given to the writer.

Rules & Terms

There is no limit on the number of short screenplays you can submit; however, each short screenplay submitted by you must be original and different from any other short screenplay submitted by you, submitted separately and accompanied by its own completed submission form and participant agreement. All screenplays must be submitted in standard screenplay format.

By submitting for consideration you agree for Southside FYI to produce your short screenplay if selected as the overall winner, and agree to the signing over of complete production rights of your screenplay to Southside FYI to view, distribute, edit and produce it if chosen as the winner.