Film festivals aren’t just for finished movies. Many also hold competitions for screenplays, giving writers who have put in hundreds—if not thousands—of hours on a project the opportunity to showcase their work. Submitting to competitions not only offers the chance to win cash prizes, but also to connect to producers, production companies, and studios that can help bring their scripts to the screen. Here are five film festivals that screenwriters should consider entering their scripts into.
Sedona International Film Festival
Next deadline: Sept. 30
Late deadline: Nov. 30
Extended deadline: Dec. 31
Celebrating its 32nd year in 2026, the Sedona International Film Festival draws over 10,000 attendees each year to the picturesque Arizona town with its iconic red rock formations and desert landscapes. Six years ago, the festival launched a screenplay competition, which awards prizes to the best feature script, short script, and TV pilot.
Not only do the winners of these categories get VIP access to the festival, as well as four nights in a hotel, their scripts are given a professional table read by actors, and full script coverage and feedback. With past attendees including Rob Reiner, Elliott Gould, Peter Bogdanovich, and Richard Dreyfuss, the network opportunities at the festival’s lunches, dinners, parties, and panels can be just as valuable as the awards themselves.
The Sedona International Film Festival will run Feb. 21–March 1, 2026.
London Independent Film Festival
Next submission: Oct. 30
Regular deadline: Dec. 11
Late deadline: Jan. 8, 2026
Final deadline: Feb. 5, 2026
Devoted to the development of first- and second-time filmmakers, especially those working on limited budgets, the London Independent Film Festival has been highlighting indie film for 23 years. Over 11 days, East London’s Genesis Cinema screens more than 100 films from across the world, alongside industry events, workshops, and networking opportunities. Past guests have included award-winning indie filmmaker Ross Boyask and producers Rebecca Tranter and Julie Baines.
Screenwriters can compete in the categories for feature screenplay, sci-fi/horror screenplay, U.K. screenplay, and short screenplay. LIFF also partners with My SMASH Media to host a “mini-market” pitching session ahead of the festival, giving screenwriters and filmmakers the chance to pitch their projects to top sales agents, producers, and industry professionals, while also making invaluable contacts.
The London Independent Film Festival will run April 10–19, 2026.
Dallas International Film Festival
Next submission: Nov. 7
Regular deadline: Jan. 16, 2026
Late deadline: Feb. 6, 2026
Final deadline: Feb. 17, 2026
The 2026 Dallas International Film Festival marks the 20th anniversary of this respected Texas event. Screening more than 100 films from over 60 countries, this week-long fest was recently named an Oscar-qualifying film festival for shorts by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Previous attendees have included Robert De Niro, Kathryn Bigelow, and Bill Paxton.
Every year, DIFF partners with Event Horizon Films, a company of film professionals that support screenwriters, for an annual screenwriting competition. Writers can submit their short, TV pilot, and feature scripts, each of which are reviewed by professional readers. Those selected are then read by working screenwriters, and the winners are introduced to industry experts and given the chance to network and discuss their projects at the festival with people who could legitimately further their career.
The Dallas International Film Festival will run April 23–30, 2026.
Raindance Film Festival
Next submission: Dec. 8
Regular deadline: Jan. 19, 2026
Late deadline: March 2, 2026
Since 1992, Raindance has brought the most exciting and creative up-and-coming filmmakers to central London. It’s regularly attended by over 16,000 people, which doesn’t just include film fans, but also buyers, distributors, financiers, and producers from around the globe. It’s also recognized by both the Oscars and BAFTAs. Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” and Christopher Nolan’s “Memento” both had their U.K. premieres at the event. Guy Ritchie, Ken Loach, and Terry Gilliam have also been attendees.
Raindance’s script competition is designed to provide opportunities to emerging screenwriters, giving them the chance to meet already established industry professionals as well as fellow emerging talent. The winners of the best feature, short, 30-minute TV, and hour-long TV script categories then gain places on the 10-week Raindance Script Fellowship Program.
The Raindance Film Festival will run June 17–26, 2026.
Script Pipeline
Special entry deadline: Dec. 30
Early deadline: March 5, 2026
Regular deadline: May 1, 2026
Late deadline: May 15, 2026
Extended deadline: May 31, 2026
While this is a contest rather than a festival, the Script Pipeline Screenwriting and TV Writing Competition is one of the best screenwriting competitions in the world for supporting writers and progressing their careers. Over the last 24 years, it has helped writers get agents and managers, and meet producers and directors, all while providing feedback and handing out tens of thousands of dollars in prizes. Quarterfinalists and beyond receive one-on-one development, career guidance, script reviews, and mentorships, while some scripts are also sent out to industry professionals and executives.
Evan Daugherty’s “Snow White and the Huntsman,” Tripper Clancy’s “Stuber,” and Helen Gaughran’s “Visitation” were all first found on Script Pipeline before being made into movies. The festival has resulted in over $8 million worth of spec sales.
Winners will be announced for the 24th Annual Script Pipeline screenwriting contest for features and television on Aug. 9, 2026.
