The third edition of the "Write for the Screen" international short film script competition is set to begin on October 15, 2026. Organized by Diletta D'Ascia and Nidhal Chatta in collaboration with Cinémasters – Académie de l'acteur et du cinéma, the competition is open to authors of all nationalities. This year's theme, "Heritage — Mediterranean patrimony and memory," encourages participants to delve into the rich cultural and historical context of the Mediterranean region.
The competition, which is free and open to all, has no age limit and welcomes both emerging and experienced screenwriters. The goal is to promote cinematic writing, encourage new voices, and foster dialogue between cultures through stories meant for the big screen. The concept of heritage extends beyond monuments and visible traces of the past, encompassing traditions, languages, know-how, family stories, memories, and identities passed down through generations.
The Mediterranean region serves as a hub of encounters, exchanges, migrations, and cultural blends, where individual and collective stories have intersected for centuries. Participants are free to approach the theme from their own perspective, whether through fiction or documentary, and can use an intimate, historical, social, or contemporary lens. Submitted scripts can be written in any language and should be original and unpublished, with a maximum of 20 pages, excluding the title page.
Along with the script, participants must provide a one-page intent note and an author bio. Each participant can submit only one project, and the use of artificial intelligence tools to generate part or all of the text is prohibited. The deadline for submissions is April 10, 2027, at midnight. The competition's previous edition, focused on "The Ocean in All Its States," drew authors from Tunisia, Europe, Madagascar, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Haiti, solidifying the competition's international reputation.
This experience led to collaborations with various institutional and cultural actors in Tunisia and Italy. For the third edition, the organizers aim to continue this dynamic of exchange and transmission, using the script as a meeting point between generations, cultures, and imaginations. The competition's international scope and themes have made it a platform for diverse voices and stories to emerge.
The announcement of the results and the award ceremony are scheduled for early May 2027. Those interested in participating can request the full regulations by emailing [email protected]. This edition promises to be a unique opportunity for screenwriters to showcase their work and connect with a global community of filmmakers and cultural enthusiasts.
By exploring the theme of heritage in the Mediterranean context, participants can tap into a rich cultural heritage and contribute to a deeper understanding of the region's complexities and diversity. The competition's focus on storytelling and cultural exchange highlights the importance of cinema as a medium for sharing experiences and perspectives.
Key points
- The competition is open to authors of all nationalities and has no age limit.
- The deadline for submissions is April 10, 2027, at midnight.
- The theme of the third edition is "Heritage — Mediterranean patrimony and memory".
