DTLA Film Festival announces 16th annual Screenplay Contest

Awards to be given in all genres and formats including features, shorts and TV pilots

LOS ANGELES | Oct. 10, 2024 | DTLA Film Festival – a leading showcase for independent cinema in Los Angeles – has announced its 16th annual screenplay contest. Submissions in feature-length and short films and TV pilot scripts are now being accepted.

This is the first time the contest will be held prior to the festival itself, which is planned for spring 2025 (exact dates to be announced later this year).

“We wanted to try something different this year, and give our popular screenplay contest its own spotlight,” says Greg Ptacek, Festival Director.

Also new to the contest this year are awards for Best Topical Script (film or TV), which incorporate into the story one of the following themes:

  • Immigration
  • The Unhoused
  • I.’s Impact
  • Climate Crisis
  • Reproductive Rights

“Our festival’s mission – to showcase filmmakers from groups historically underrepresented by Hollywood – is as relevant as ever. We remain committed to presenting movies – and scripts – which reflect the unique cultural and ethnic diversity of Los Angeles and also about subjects affecting all Americans. We are true believers that motion picture content can be a catalyst for change,” said Leann Barna, contest curator.

Also new to the contest this year is an award for Best Pitch Deck or Lookbook, a nod to what has become an essential tool for writers in the marketing of their film-TV projects.

All entrants will receive 4 pairs of tickets to the upcoming film festival. Award-winners will receive a VIP Pass to the festival, providing the passholder and their guest access to all programming at the next festival, including screenings, panels and parties. (Tickets to screenings are sold for $20; VIP Passes, $500.)

The final deadline for submitting to the contest is Jan. 31, 2025. Winners in all categories will be announced on March 1.

For more information visit https://filmfreeway.com/DTLAFF or www.dtlaff.com

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About DTLA Film Festival
Founded in 2008 as a nonprofit (501)(c)(3) arts organization, DTLA Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing films by and about groups underrepresented by Hollywood in the historic center of the Creative Capital of the World. The festival also strives to reflect in its programming the unique cultural and ethnic diversity of the neighborhoods of downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding communities.  More: www.dtlaff.com

Contact:
info@dtlaff.com