DTLA Film Festival Announces Screenplay Winners

Jowanda Durham’s fantasy drama ‘Miss Alexander’  takes feature award

LOS ANGELES | Nov. 4, 2023 – DTLA Film Festival – a leading showcase for independent film in the historic heart of the Film Capital of the World – announced today the winners of its annual screenplay contest. The festival itself runs Nov. 1-5 at Regal L.A. Live cinemas in downtown Los Angeles

The winner for Feature Film Screenplay went to actress, director, writer and producer Jowanda Durham’s “Miss Alexander.” In the story, after an accidental fall, Black author Jazmine Robinson assumes the identity of her White, 19th-century heroine Miss Alexander. Good looking British doctor Michael Newton attempts to restore her memory (which is selective) while her mother attempts to find the right husband for her currently disturbed daughter. Meanwhile, a deceptive colleague of hers, Theo Randall, attempts to romantically seduce Jazmine in order to get her to finish the novel. It’s a tricky love triangle where Jazmine must regain her memory or forever be an easy to fool crazy lady who genuinely believes she’s Miss Alexander, the colorful character that she created.

The Television Pilot Script Award went to director, screenwriter and producer Dash Donato’s script “The Last Record Store.” Set in Missoula, Minn., a record store soon to be demolished and turned into high-end condominiums inspires music manager Joey to visit. He then discovers a time portal in the form of the store’s vintage listening booth, which leads him to record stores of the past decade. While attempting to return to the present, Joey finds out the truth behind a mysterious love song covered by female and queer musicians that may be the key to getting them home as well as saving their store.

The Short Script Award went to actress, voice-over artist and screenwriter Olivia Mackenzie-Smith’s script “Hero” in which an adventurous 11-year-old boy’s filming of the day in the life of his troubled war-veteran mother highlights why she is, indeed, his hero.

“The entries in this year’s screenplay contest were wonderfully diverse in theme and genre, as reflected by our three award-winning scripts. We thank all of the entrants whose quality of work truly made it difficult to choose among them,” says Leann Barna, Screenplay Curator, DTLA Film Festival.

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About Us
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. The 15th annual DTLA Film Festival, Nov. 1-5, 2023 is screening nearly a hundred films of all genres from around the world. More:https://dtlaff.com

Press Contact:
Greg Ptacek
DTLA Film Festival
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