Welcome to the 21st Cinequest Screenwriting Competition, presenting screenwriters with prestigious recognition, engagement with industry leaders, connection to an empowering community, plus the chance to win extraordinary acclaim and prizes. The Competition welcomes screenplays and teleplays of all genres and lengths. Cinequest inspires creative fervor and provides dynamic opportunities for writers to get discovered and have their work produced.

“What unites them all under the festival’s big tent is clear: Being a part of Cinequest is not to follow industry trends, but to witness the moment they’re being set.” — Max Weinstein, MovieMaker

Cinequest is dedicated to launching new screenwriters’ careers and providing a platform from which their work can take flight. Voted Best Film Festival by USA Today readers, Cinequest is set in the home of the world’s most influential media technology companies (Netflix, YouTube, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.), It showcases premier films, renowned and emerging artists, and breakthrough technology—empowering global connectivity between creators, innovators, and audiences. Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival occurs in San Jose & Mountain View, California, and virtually. 



Amidst the energy and excitement of the festival, the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition empowers creative and innovative writers to interact with producers and industry professionals from around the world. Finalists will be honored during the Cinequest Storytelling Celebration, a day filled with Writer Meet Producer events, Business of Writing forums, Pitch Training, VIP Writers Lunch, and an awards ceremony announcing the winners of the competition.

Cinequest Finalist Juries (announced in January/February) feature many top industry leaders.

Previous / Current years’ jury included: 


• Chan Phung, Fox Searchlights, SVP of Acquisitions & Development 

• Chris Overton, Slick Films, CEO & Executive Producer

• Clara Park, Sony Pictures, Worldwide Acquisitions 

• Joshua Nadler, Affirm Films, Sony Entertainment, Acquisitions 

• Lauren Fisher, Paramount, VP of Worldwide Acquisitions

• Fiona Lamptey, Netflix, UK Director of Originals and Features
• Carter Pilcher, Shorts International

• Chris Grunden, HBO, Vice President of Film Programming 

• Lisa Holmes, Music Box Films, Director of Home Entertainment 

• Nathalie Jeung, Le Pacte, Sales Executive 

• Nitza Wilon, The Writers Lab, Co-Founder
• Chris Overton, Slick Films, CEO & Executive Producer

• Debra Zimmerman, Women Make Movies, Executive Director 

• Gabor Greiner, Films Boutique, Head of Acquisitions 

• Fiona Lamptey, Netflix, UK Director of Originals and Features

While Cinequest focuses on discovering and empowering emerging voices, it also celebrates luminaries of writing during its annual Maverick Spirit Award event held during the Storytelling Celebration at the Cinequest Film Festival. Past honorees include JJ Abrams, Michael Arndt, Lawrence Kasdan, Diablo Cody, Christopher McQuarrie, Chuck Palahniuk, and Darren Starr.



TESTIMONIALS
"I've been submitting to Cinequest since 2013. The Cinequest judges' feedback has always been top-notch. I had a fantastic experience attending this year. The producers and staff do an amazing job. It's incredible...I'm over the moon to be working with The Solution and with the crew at CAA. — Jeremy Rush, Cinequest Feature Winner, WHEELMAN (Sold to Netflix)"

"I think the most important thing about Cinequest is it's definitely the first time I've ever come to a festival where my immediate reaction is, 'What do I have to do to be invited back?' and that's not normally my reaction. It's a perfect film festival in a glorious place."— Maverick Spirit Award Winner

"My cell was ringing with option interest before I even left San Jose. The Cinequest win helped me land representation in L.A., which resulted in attaching a seasoned producer who loves the script. I'm now being read by some of the most well-known production companies and all the major studios in Hollywood." — Bill Schreiber, SWITCHBACK

"It's a surreal experience to see Our Lady Lupe go from CINEQUEST finalist script to screen with its premiere on national television! I learned so much from the writer's celebration, which definitely helped prepare me for this opportunity!" — Dominique Nieves, OUR LADY LUPE

"Cinequest offers the creme' de la creme' of screenplay competitions! All of the events were professionally run, and as a Screenwriting Finalist, I encountered wonderful networking situations, well thought out educational opportunities, and a warm embrace into this vibrant community." — Ashia Chacko, BLACK BOX

"I saw the word "maverick" and took a chance on a lark that maybe this was a venue that could help foster my own vision. I graduated from the USC Graduate Screenwriting program...whatever happens in my career from this point on, I will consider [Cinequest] as one of the key factors in my development as a writer." — George Chumo II, THE ICONOCLAST, and THE BRIDGE

“I can honestly say that Cinequest is one of the most writer-friendly film festivals I've ever been to. It was such a pleasure to meet everyone and, most of all, hear all of the stories. Here's hoping we all get a green light someday!” — Donna Laemmlen, SHEILA THE GILA MONSTER

"Everyone at Cinequest was great and I enjoyed the networking opportunities they provided. My screenplay is moving forward and we are seeking out investors to co-produce." — David Rich, THROUGH MARIA'S EYES

All submissions receive three lines of consolidated reader feedback upon request.

Awards & Prizes

The 21st Cinequest Competition will award cash prizes (8K Total) plus a spectacular package of industry exposure and engagement, festival all-access passes (in-person and virtual editions), and exclusive career-building seminars to winners and top 10 finalists. Top 10 finalists in all categories are invited to both the in-person and virtual festivals for days of networking, community, panels, and celebrations. PLUS! All who submit will receive one COMPLIMENTARY month of ISA CONNECT Membership and 10% off from RoadMap Writers.

Top 10 Finalists are announced via social and press releases. Benefits as follows:
FEATURE-LENGTH SCRIPTS, SHORTS, 60 & 30 MIN TELEPLAYS
Each of these categories of submissions receives the following benefits and prizes:
FEATURE-LENGTH SCRIPTS: 

(1) Receives $5,000. Winning script by more than one writer will have cash prize split evenly between members of the writing team. NOTE: Feature Scripts submitted in the Genre Categories: Rom/Com and Sci-fy/Thriller will compete alongside all Features. 

(2) Complimentary 12 month ISAConnect Membership 

(3) RoadMap Writers Prize Package: Guaranteed Industry Reads with one-on-one feedback sessions, Subscriptions to the Pitch Fitness Club, and Open Pitch Sessions with industry executives.

(4) Certificate for Final Draft Software

(5) Plus all Finalist benefits listed below: 


Top Three Winners 

(1) Opportunity to have script read by top level industry producers, executives, and jury. 

(2) Top Three Finalists, will receive a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for screenwriters to connect with producers.

(3) Certificate for Final Draft Software

(4) All of the Top 10 Finalist benefits listed below: 

Top Ten Finalists 
(1) Recognition (script title) on the Storytelling Celebration event page on Cinequest Film & VR Festival website. 

(2) Invitation to Cinequest Film & VR Festivals that includes complimentary All-Access Passes (in-person and virtual events). 

(3) Exclusive invitation to Storytelling Celebration, which includes a variety of special events and panels of industry powerhouses, and an inspiring Maverick Spirit luminary event. 

(4) Special discounts and rates on accommodations during Cinequest Film & VR Festival. 

(5) Complimentary 2 months of InkTip PROMembership.

(6) Complimentary 3-month ISAConnect Membership. 

(7) The Top 10 Feature Scripts will be sent to a panel of ISA jurors for consideration for the ISA Story Award. ISA will award one free ISA Development Evaluation and 12-month ISAConnect membership (value of $320) to the selected winner. 

• Includes up to 5 pages of extensive notes covering your entire screenplay 

• Consideration by the ISA Development Team for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate, where the development team supports, champions, and promotes writers to producers, managers, and agents in Hollywood and beyond, forging relationships and building careers. Many Development Slate writers have had scripts optioned or produced, received representation, and been staffed on series, among other successes.

SHORT FILM SCRIPTS: 
1st Place 

(1) Receives $1,000. Winning script by more than one writer will have cash prize split evenly between members of the writing team. 

(2) Complimentary 12-month ISAConnect Membership 

(3) Future Invitation to screen (once produced) the short film made from winning script at the Cinequest Film & VR Festival. Cinequest is not responsible for the production of the film. 

(4) a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for screenwriters to connect with producers.
(5) RoadMap Writers Prize Package: Guaranteed Industry Reads with one-on-one feedback sessions, Subscriptions to the Pitch Fitness Club, Open Pitch Sessions with industry executives.
(6) Plus all Finalist benefits listed below:
Top Three Winners 

(1) Opportunity to have script read by top level industry producers, executives, and jury. 

(2) All of the Top 10 Finalist benefits listed below:
Top Ten Finalists 

(1) Recognition (script title) on the Storytelling Celebration event page on Cinequest Film & VR Festival website. 

(2) Invitation to Cinequest Film & VR Festivals that includes complimentary All-Access Passes (in-person and virtual events). 

(3) Exclusive invitation to Storytelling Celebration, which includes a variety of special events and panels of industry powerhouses, and an inspiring Maverick Spirit luminary event. 

(4) Special discounts and rates on accommodations during Cinequest Film & VR Festival. 

(5) Complimentary 2 months of InkTip PROMembership.
(6) Complimentary 3-month ISAConnect Membership.

TELEPLAY 60 SCRIPTS: 
1st Place 

(1) Receives $1,000. Winning script by more than one writer will have cash prize split evenly between members of the writing team. 

(2) Complimentary 12 month ISAConnect Membership 

(3) One free four-month feature script listing for any script/title on the InkTip Executive Index 

(4) a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for screenwriters to connect with producers.

(5) RoadMap Writers Prize Package: Guaranteed Industry Reads with one-on-one feedback sessions, Subscriptions to the Pitch Fitness Club, Open Pitch Sessions with industry executives.

(6) Certificate for Final Draft Software

(7) Plus all Finalist benefits listed below:
Top Three Winners

(1) Opportunity to have script read by top level industry producers, executives, and jury. 

(2) All of the Top 10 Finalist benefits listed below:
Top Ten Finalists 

(1) Recognition (script title) on the Storytelling Celebration event page on Cinequest Film & VR Festival website. 

(2) Invitation to Cinequest Film & VR Festivals that includes complimentary All-Access Passes (in-person and virtual events). 

(3) Exclusive invitation to Storytelling Celebration, which includes a variety of special events and panels of industry powerhouses, and an inspiring Maverick Spirit luminary event. 

(4) Special discounts and rates on accommodations during Cinequest Film & VR Festival. 

(5) Complimentary 2 months of InkTip PROMembership.

(6) Complimentary 3-month ISAConnect Membership.. 



TELEPLAY 30 SCRIPTS: 
1st Place 

(1) Receives $1,000. Winning script by more than one writer will have cash prize split evenly between members of the writing team. 

(2) Complimentary 12-month ISAConnect Membership 

(3) One free four-month feature script listing for any script/title on the InkTip Executive Index 

(4) a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for screenwriters to connect with producers.

(5) RoadMap Writers Prize Package: Guaranteed Industry Reads with one-on-one feedback sessions, Subscriptions to the Pitch Fitness Club, Open Pitch Sessions with industry executives.

(6) Certificate for Final Draft Software

(7) Plus all Finalist benefits listed below:
Top Three Winners

(1) Opportunity to have script read by top level industry producers, executives, and jury. 

(2) All of the Top 10 Finalist benefits listed below:
Top Ten Finalists 

(1) Recognition (script title) on the Storytelling Celebration event page on Cinequest Film & VR Festival website. 

(2) Invitation to Cinequest Film & VR Festivals that includes complimentary All-Access Passes (in-person and virtual events). 

(3) Exclusive invitation to Storytelling Celebration, which includes a variety of special events and panels of industry powerhouses, and an inspiring Maverick Spirit luminary event. 

(4) Special discounts and rates on accommodations during Cinequest Film & VR Festival. 

(5) Complimentary 2 months of InkTip Pro Membership.

(6) Complimentary 3-month ISAConnect Membership.
opportunities, plus all finalist benefits.

Rules & Terms

SCRIPT FORMAT

All genres accepted. Especially seeking drama, comedy, thriller/mystery, sci-fi, action, bio-pic, rom-com, horror, and highly original material.

Cinequest is now accepting two new genre categories: Romance / Comedies and Sci-Fi / Thriller.

Script must be submitted in English and be properly formatted according to industry standards.

Length (not including title page):
• Feature-Length Scripts must be between 70 -125 pages
• Short Film Scripts must be 40 pages or fewer
• Teleplays (60 minutes) must be between 45-70 pages
• Teleplays (30 minutes) must be 45 pages or fewer

Only PDFs will be accepted for submission. Printed scripts are not accepted.
Script must be properly formatted according to industry standards.

Please include ONLY your script’s title on the cover page so that readers may remain unbiased in their decisions. Your FilmFreeway tracking number will automatically be assigned to your uploaded script.

Maintain your full contact information in your FilmFreeway registration. Do not include any contact information on your submitted script.

RESTRICTIONS
Once the entry is received no rewritten/corrected pages will be accepted.

Submission fees are collected by FilmFreeway. Cinequest does not accept payment by cash, check, or money order. There is no entry fee refund for any scripts submitted.

Winning scripts by more than one writer will have the prize split evenly between members of the writing team.

Any script that becomes purchased, optioned, goes into production, or is produced before the final Jury decision on February 28, 2025, will be eliminated from the competition with no entry fee refund. Scripts written as adaptations of other works must have secured rights before being submitted.

FEEDBACK & NOTIFICATIONS
Contestants will receive 3 lines of consolidated reader feedback on their script if requested. Feedback will not be automatically sent, so please email your script title and the request for feedback to screenplay@cinequest.org following the season.

Writers will be notified of their status in the competition via the email address provided at the time of registration. Please include screenplay@cinequest.org in your contact lists to receive these notifications. See below for the selection process:
• Top 50 and Top 10 notified in late February / early March 2027.
• Top 10 Finalists listed on Website mid-March 2027.
• Top 3 and Winners Announced in the 2027 Festival Awards Press Release.

Authorization:
As the authorized representative for the above-mentioned script, I accept the conditions and rules described in this entry form. I attest to the fact that this screenplay submission has not been optioned or purchased and is not in current production or post-production. Should the optioning, purchasing, or production status of the script change, I will contact Cinequest immediately in writing to have the script removed from the competition.

If this script is selected as a finalist and/or prize winner of the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition, I grant Cinequest the right to use all writers' names and likenesses in conjunction with the promotion of the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition without additional / any competition. This includes, but is not limited to, the listing of finalists and prize winners on the Cinequest website; in Cinequest press releases and media coverage surrounding the screenwriting competition; and Cinequest Film & VR Festival occurring in 2025.

Disclaimer:
Submitting to the Cinequest Film & VR Festival Screenwriting Competition is for competition purposes only and does not mean that Cinequest Inc., its employees, sponsors, or anyone associated with Cinequest will represent, produce, promote, or fund any project whatsoever. Cinequest is not responsible for lost screenplays.

39 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ana Geronimo

    Fue una gran oportunidad de participación

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • John Demakas

    I was very honored to have my pilot script GOLDEN STATE selected as a quarter finalist. Thank you so much to everyone at Cinequest. I look forward to submitting next year, and enjoying the festival again.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Jean Barker

    As a feature screenplay finalist, I was invited to attend, and welcomed with love and responsive email support, to San Jose, with two full passes provided. I got to see a bunch of amazing films and meet some incredible screenwriters, at least two of whom I'm sure I'll remain in contact with. San Jose isn't insanely expensive - compared to Sundance or Telluride, in any case. While I didn't fulfil my dream of finding a tech-bro who needed a tax write-off and a cool producer credit, I did place second in the feature contest, and spend an wonderful week celebrating filmmaking. Huge thanks to Rebecca and Nick in particular for their warmth and responsiveness.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Michele Noble

    I had two TV pilot scripts: Happiness 2.0 (30 minute) and JUIF (60 minute) which were both among the top 10 finalists. And BOTH of my scripts WON 2nd place Jury awards in their categories. DOUBLE WNS! I was told that's only happened once before at Cinequest that one writer has two scripts in the top 3! So I was thrilled that a competition and festival so awesome got to be even more so. Cinequest film festival provides tremendous networking with large audiences and lots of press (I did lots of interviews) , this extends to the writers. Cinequest respects writers dedicating an entire day to the screenwriting competition so you can hear pitches and also hear from an intimate panel of veteran writers of screenplays, TV shows and novels. Highly recommend Cinequest. I will continue to submit my work and attend Cinequest. Many, many thanks!

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Chris Donald Griffin

    "Cinequest" is very science fiction friendly. One of my sci-fi features, and two of my sci-fi pilots got into the finals. I attended their festival, and their selection of sci-fi films was pretty good too; my personal favourite was "Heartworm".

    Because I was a finalist, I received two free passes to the festival, and I got some nice discounts on staying at the "Haye's Mansion" hotel. Their "storytelling celebration" day was pretty cool too.

    Things were a bit last minute though; my three finalists were listed as "semi-finalist" on Filmfreeway. They got back to me, and explained what had happened, but I didn't have a lot of time to plan my trip to the festival. The winners in each category were revealed during the storytelling celebration, but we're still waiting to hear who the 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category are. These are just minor complaints, and overall, the festival and competition - which are both pretty ambitious - were good experiences.

    March 2026
    Helpful