OUR MISSION:

The MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL SCREENPLAY AWARDS (MISA) is dedicated to discovering and championing exceptional independent screenwriting talent from around the world. We celebrate bold storytelling, compelling characters, and unique voices that push the boundaries of cinema and television.

Each month, we provide writers with the opportunity to have their work recognised and celebrated across a wide range of categories and genres. Whether you’re an emerging or an established screenwriter, MISA is committed to supporting your creative journey and helping you take the next step in your career.

All category winners and finalists are announced on our Instagram page on the official notification date each season. Each winner and finalist also receives their own dedicated post along with a brief screenplay analysis.

We also offer an in-depth script analysis and evaluation service, available for purchase via the drop-down menu.

Our panelists are recipients of numerous awards from esteemed international film festivals, including the Cannes International Screenplay Awards, and are the creators of projects developed and funded by Screen Australia, VicScreen, and the MIFF Premiere Fund. With deep industry insight and a passion for championing new voices, our judges are committed to identifying bold, original scripts with the potential to resonate on a global stage.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION:

• Monthly Competitions: We offer a rolling submission process, ensuring that screenwriters receive timely recognition for their work.
• Diverse Categories: From feature films to short scripts, pilots, and web series, we celebrate all formats and genres.
• Global Reach, Local Heart: Based in Melbourne Australia, MISA welcomes international submissions, fostering a worldwide community of passionate storytellers.

Join us in celebrating the art of screenwriting - submit your script today!

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay
Best Drama Screenplay
Best Horror Screenplay
Best Sci-Fi Screenplay
Best Thriller Screenplay
Best Comedy Screenplay
Best Mystery Screenplay
Best Crime Screenplay
Best Action Screenplay
Best Rom-Com Screenplay
Best Web Series Screenplay
Best TV Pilot Screenplay
Best First-time Feature Screenwriter

Rules & Terms

• Entries must be in English
• Submissions via PDF file only
• Revised versions of submitted scripts will not be accepted within the same competition cycle
• Scripts that have been produced, optioned, or have any existing rights agreements (e.g., attached talent, development deals) are ineligible
• All submitted materials must be the original work of the author(s)
• Adaptations of prior works must give source material credit
• Decisions of judges are final as per industry criteria
• Pages should be numbered
• Full-Length Feature Scripts: 160 pages or under
• Short Film Scripts: 30 pages or under
• TV Pilots: 130 pages or under
• Feedback is subjective and based on industry standards. MISA makes no guarantees regarding the impact or accuracy of feedback provided
• No warranties are expressed or implied as to the utility, value, or accuracy of statements written or spoken by our reader-analysts with regard to material submitted to us by writers, customers, or contest entrants
• Comments provided by judges, readers, administrators, or other writers are based upon personal opinion only and do not reflect the opinions of management; management assumes no responsibility the academic, creative, professional, economic, or emotional impact or consequences of the opinions we provide
• By submitting, writers agree that MISA and its affiliates are not liable for any claims related to the evaluation or handling of submitted material
• Material submitted to the competition is solely at the risk of the individual registering, entering, or offering written material for scoring, analysis, judgment, or commentary
• Once submitted material has been read, reviewed, analysed, critiqued, scored, or commented upon by assessors, producers, employees, representatives, or management of MISA, no refund of entry fee will be made
• All submitted material remains the property of the writer(s). MISA will not claim any rights to submitted scripts

65 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Rana Sajadi

    I’m truly honored that my short screenplay, The Floating Roots, was selected as the Best Short Screenplay at the Melbourne International Screenplay Award. The festival was very well organized, communication was smooth and professional, and the team was always easy to reach. Thank you for this wonderful recognition and for creating such a positive experience. I’m grateful and proud to have been part of it.

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Melvin Abercrombie

    Thank you for the award, my book screenplay Avalon Ministry is free for everyone at Amazon under Melvin Abercrombie, the church ministry Jesus would approve of today thank everyone

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for being part of the competition Melvin.

  • Aaron Huckleberry

    I can't recommend the MISA team highly enough. The reading/judging team is first rate with the kind of insightful engagement and feedback that means the world to writers and filmmakers whom have poured themselves into their projects. The publication of excerpts from the analysis is not only a measure of the team's attentive approach, but also of the wider goal of giving aspiring writers a sense of the things that truly matter when projects are assessed. MISA will always be one of my strong personal favourites among the international contests, regardless of results - but, of course, I'm delighted that my latest script, SHORELINE, was awarded Best Feature Screenplay. Huge thanks to all involved!

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much for your incredibly generous words and thoughtful feedback, Aaron. We're honoured to have played a small part in SHORELINE's journey, and we're thrilled to see such a deserving script recognised with Best Feature Screenplay. Thanks for entrusting us with your work!

  • Chris Errington

    I'm absolutely over the moon to have won best horror screenplay with 123 Eyes on Me. Thanks for your quick communication, your kind words, appraisal, and support. It's such a great boost to me and I'm delighted I entered your festival. Keep up the fantastic work backing aspiring writers. Legends.

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind and generous feedback, Chris. And thanks for entrusting us with your wonderful writing. All the best! Team MISA.

  • Sweeping Plains Films

    MISA has been a pleasure to work with. It's always encouraging to know that your scripts are being genuinely considered, and I was honoured to have On My Shoulder recognised as a winner and Invisible recognised as a finalist.
    The team clearly values storytelling and takes the time to engage with the work they receive. Communication has been warm, professional and timely throughout.
    Thank you for supporting independent writers and filmmakers. I look forward to following the festival's continued success. Thanks! Martin

    June 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Martin. Your support and kind words mean a great deal to us, and we’re thrilled that both On My Shoulder and Invisible found a home at MISA. We wish you every success with your future projects and hope to see more of your work in the future.