Of the thousands of film festivals competing for titles and audiences, hundreds hold screenplay competitions, looking for scripts that could be the next “Good Will Hunting,” “Moonlight,” or—hey, why not—”Star Wars.” This year, for the first time, the Dallas International Film Festival was named among the best.

MovieMaker Magazine just named “15 Submission-Worthy Screenwriting Competitions” and DIFF made the cut. 

“Although competitions often offer cash to winners and runners-up, the most valuable prize is usually the chance to meet industry professionals who can help kickstart careers and provide priceless mentorship,” MovieMaker writes, noting that producers “will take a script more seriously if it does well in a top competition.”

DIFF’s screenwriting competition has a $75 fee per entry, with a deadline this year of June 18. 

“All entrants receive a page of feedback (with the option to pay more for extended coverage), and scripts are read and evaluated by readers from companies like William Morris Endeavor, Creative Artists Agency and Zero Gravity, so there’s a chance to catch the eye of an agent or manager,” MovieMaker writes.

“The competition, presented by Event Horizon Films and Torfoot Studios, recognizes a grand prize winner, runner up and finalists in the feature, TV pilot, and script-to-screen categories,” the magazine adds.

DIFF screenwriting winners will be toasted at an Oscar party in LA during the 2004 awards season

Winners of the DIFF screenwriting competition “will be treated to a luxurious Oscar party in Los Angeles during the 2024 awards season, a celebrity shout out, and DIFF ‘Star’ passes for the 2024 festival,” MovieMaker notes.

You can see MovieMaker’s full list of 15 top screenwriting competitions by going here.

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