Rules & Eligibility

The Screenplay Critics Award is committed to recognizing excellence in screenwriting through a refined and transparent selection process. To ensure the integrity and fairness of our competition, all participants must adhere to the following rules and eligibility requirements:

1. Submission Platform
   All screenplay submissions must be made exclusively through our official submission partner, FilmFreeway. Submissions received via any other medium, including email or physical mail, will not be considered under any circumstances.

2. Submission Fees
   All entry fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of disqualification, withdrawal, or failure to adhere to competition guidelines. No waivers or exceptions will be granted. Submission does not guarantee selection or feedback.

3. Eligibility Period
   Only screenplays that were completed within the past three (3) years are eligible for consideration. Scripts exceeding this time frame will be disqualified without refund.

4. Multiple Entries
   Entrants are permitted to submit multiple screenplays, either within a single category or across multiple categories. Each entry must be submitted individually and accompanied by a separate entry fee. There is no limit to the number of submissions per entrant.

5. Originality and Rights
   Submitted screenplays must be the original work of the applicant(s). If the work is an adaptation, the entrant must possess the legal rights to adapt the source material and provide written proof upon request. The festival bears no responsibility for any infringement of intellectual property rights by entrants.

6. Language Requirement
   All screenplays must be submitted in English. Screenplays written in any other language must include a professionally translated English version to be eligible for review.

7. Length and Format
   Screenplays must adhere to standard industry formatting conventions and be submitted as PDF files. While there are no strict page limits, we encourage concise storytelling and reserve the right to limit eligibility for excessively long or improperly formatted submissions.

8. Finality of Submission
   No revised versions or updated drafts will be accepted once the script has been officially submitted. Entrants are advised to thoroughly proofread and prepare their work before submission.

9. Evaluation Process
   All screenplays will be reviewed by a jury composed of professional film critics, journalists, and literary editors. Scripts are evaluated on the basis of originality, narrative structure, character development, dialogue, and overall impact. The decisions of the jury are final and non-negotiable.

10. Publicity & Use of Laurels
    Official selections and winners may be promoted across the festival's platforms. Entrants agree that the festival may use their name, screenplay title, and any relevant promotional materials for marketing purposes. Only officially selected or awarded scripts are permitted to use the festival's laurels.