The Oscar®-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival is an annual short film festival showcasing the best and brightest short films and short screenplays from around the globe. The festival showcases the top short films produced 40 minutes or less and is looking for the best short screenplays 30 pages or less and TV pilots 50 pages and under.

The 12th annual HollyShorts Screenplay Contest is part of the 21st annual HollyShorts Film Festival (August 7-17 2025). We are looking for short screenplays 30 pages or less. All Quarter, Semi, and Finalists will be announced and invited to the festival with an all access pass. Top 5 screenplays will be announced/awarded at the HollyShorts Awards Ceremony. ISA story prize rounds out the top 5. The completed shorts will screen at the 2026 HollyShorts Film Festival at the TCL Chinese Theatres and receive automatic distribution on BitPix!

Dates & Deadlines

  • Opening Date
  • Earlybird Deadline
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  • Extended Deadline
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2024 HollyShorts Screenplay Contest Winner

“HollyShorts gave Babka a huge boost — not just visibility, but real industry recognition. It’s one of the few festivals truly championing emerging voices, and I’m so grateful to the festival team for continuing to support Babka now that the film is coming out.”

Serena Dykman | Director, Writer of Babka

2018 HollyShorts Screenplay Contest Winner

Jameson by John Humber

2018 HollyShorts Screenplay Contest winner. Now a critically-acclaimed short with 3+ million views