Austin Film Festival’s Script Competition
Early Deadline: Mar 27, 2026
Regular Deadline: Apr 24, 2026
Late Deadline: May 27, 2026
AFF’s Script Competitions identify emerging, new writers of unparalleled talent each year. With a reputation as the premiere script competition in the world, AFF is trusted by studios, agents, and executives all across the industry to identify the storytellers of tomorrow. With all script submissions evaluated blindly and carefully by our panel of industry judges, AFF winners annually reflect a vast diversity of talent and tend to combat the industry’s trends of exclusivity. To put it simply, AFF values a great story above all else. As a bonus, AFF winners receive much more than our coveted bronze typewriter award, as our Festival team works hard to curate opportunities and experiences to catapult writers into life-changing careers.
But it’s not just about winning…at Austin Film Festival we want to support every writer’s story on its journey from script to screen. All entrants can opt in to receive free reader comments from our trained readers and all competition entrants receive Festival and Conference registration discounts as well. Second Rounders, Semifinalists, and Finalists receive additional discounts on registration and get access to exclusive panels, workshops, and networking events during the Writers Conference. Submitting to AFF is so much more than simply entering a competition, It’s an investment in your career.
2026 Script Competition Deadlines
Feature Screenplay
Early Bird Deadline ($60): 3/27/26
Regular Deadline ($70): 4/24/26
Late Deadline ($90): 5/27/26
Short Screenplay & Teleplay
Early Bird Deadline ($50): 3/27/26
Regular Deadline ($60): 4/24/26
Late Deadline ($75): 5/27/26
Fiction Podcast
Early Bird Deadline ($40): 3/27/26
Regular Deadline ($45): 4/24/26
Late Deadline ($50): 5/27/26
Playwriting
Early Bird Deadline ($25): 3/27/26
Regular Deadline ($25): 4/24/26
Late Deadline ($35): 5/27/26
Visit https://austinfilmfestival.com/about-aff-script-competitions/ for more information and to submit.
For more information, visit https://austinfilmfestival.com/about-aff-script-competitions/.
Call for entry posted February 19, 2026