2026 Moonless International Screenwriters & Playwrights Competition

The 2026 Moonless International Screenwriters & Playwrights Competition is a dynamic platform created to celebrate and elevate the voices of both emerging and established storytellers across film, television, and theatre. As a signature part of the annual Moonless International Film Festival, this competition recognizes exceptional work in feature screenplays, short scripts, television pilots, and stage plays—with a dedicated category for playwrights whose stories uplift, challenge, and inspire.

What Winners Receive

Winners in each category—Feature Screenplay, Short Screenplay, Pilot Script, and Stage Play—will receive:

  • Official Award Recognition during the Moonless International Film Festival

  • Industry Exposure through our network of producers, directors, literary agents, and publishers

  • Professional Script Coverage or Development Notes

  • Trophy or Certificate of Achievement

  • Website and Social Media Spotlight across the Moonless International platform

For Playwrights:

  • Opportunity for a Live Stage Reading or Production Consideration through our affiliated theatre partners

Special Opportunities:

  • Live Table Read featuring our 2026 VIP Special Guests

  • Exclusive Industry Opportunity – One winning short script and one winning feature screenplay will be selected for a private sit-down with producers to have their work considered for optioning and development for production

This is more than a competition—it's a launchpad for purpose-filled storytelling. Submit your work and let your voice be heard.

To learn more about submission requirements, deadlines, and complete details, visit our submission page on FilmFreeway.

Still have questions? Check out our Screenplay Submissions FAQ or email us at screenplay@moonlessiff.org.

We offer a discount for South Carolina films, screenplays, and playwrights. Before submitting, please visit moonlessiff.org/scfilmsscreenplaysplaywrights to see if your project qualifies. Films that are not live-action are also eligible for the discount if the director resides in the state and at least partially produced the film in South Carolina