The Sci-Fi September Short Script Challenge (“Challenge”) seeks to discover fresh screenwriters from the Writers Room of Georgia. We welcome stories that explore futuristic adventures, dystopian worlds, and extraterrestrial beings. We are looking for original sci-fi voices and scripts that transport audiences to realms only accessible through imagination and innovative technology. Applicants (“Applicants”) interested in having Scripts (“Scripts”) considered for the Challenge can submit Scripts for consideration, subject to the eligibility, format, and other requirements set forth herein. By submitting Scripts for consideration for the Challenge, the Applicant agrees to the terms and obligations set forth below, including, without limitation, the representations, warranties, and indemnity obligations. Up to three finalists (“Finalists”) may be selected, each receiving a variety of awards (“Awards”) designed to advance their careers and showcase their work to industry professionals.

To participate, carefully read the details below and submit your work!

General Eligibility

• All Scripts submitted must be in English.
• Scripts must not have been optioned, have a shopping agreement or attachment agreement, or otherwise be subject to any agreements or obligations to or with any third-party (financial or otherwise), or have any changes in status following submission.
• Scripts that have already been produced are ineligible.
• No revisions or missing pages will be accepted once an entry has been received.
• The selection of Finalists for the Challenge will be in Trilith Institute’s sole discretion, and Trilith Institute reserves the right not to select any Finalists for the Challenge. 
• Applicants must be eighteen years of age or older and not have any writing credits in the entertainment industry.

General Format / Rules

• Scripts must be short narratives and in the science fiction genre.
• All scripts must be G or PG-rated as classified by the MPAA to be considered. 
  • For more information on content rating considerations, visit filmratings.com/Content/Downloads/rating_rules.pdf
• Font size must be 12-point and in Courier type
• Scripts must be in PDF format
• Scripts must be 15 pages MAXIMUM in length
• TITLE, WRITER NAME, and CONTACT INFORMATION should appear on the cover page
• Writers may submit only one (1) script for consideration
• Applicant agrees to sign Trilith Institute’s standard submission release prior to submitting to the Challenge. 
• Please keep in mind that Finalists may be included in a live table-read style event (“Event”) at Trilith facilities. The Event, including the selected Finalists and performances thereof, may be recorded and used, in whole or in part, for promotional purposes. Accordingly, all Scripts submitted by Applicant must be fully cleared and, if requested, Applicant agrees to provide copies of releases for all third-party materials used in the Script. Further, Applicant agrees that Trilith may use their name, voice, likeness, biography, and other identifying attributes in and in connection with the Event and advertising and promotion, and will sign additional releases as may be required by Trilith Institute.

Finalist Selections

• The selected Finalists (as determined by Trilith Institute in its sole discretion) may be included in a table-read style event hosted by Trilith Institute, and Applicants whose Script is selected to be included in the Event may receive credit at the Event and on marketing and promotional materials, subject to compliance with the terms hereof and execution of appropriate releases. 
• For the avoidance of doubt, no license fee will be awarded to Applicants submitting selected Scripts. Applicants submitting Scripts acknowledge that they are doing so voluntarily for the opportunity to have their Scripts considered and potentially exhibited and/or performed as part of the Event. 
• All Awards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. No Award substitutions are permitted. The Awards are issued “AS IS” and without any warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. Trilith Institute reserves the right to substitute an award of equal value at its sole discretion. Any and all expenses related to the acceptance and use of the Awards that are not expressly specified herein are the sole responsibility of the selected Finalists.

Awards

Quarterfinalist (Top 10) | Semifinalist (Top 5) | Finalist (Top 3)

Quarterfinalists

• 50 % off code of Writer Duet – One (1) 1-year annual subscription valid for WriterDuet screenwriting software and ScreenplayIQ AI script analysis. The discount code is non-transferable and may not be resold or combined with other offers. Codes must be used before January 1, 2026. 

Semifinalists

• 50 % off code of Writer Duet – One (1) 1-year annual subscription valid for WriterDuet screenwriting software and ScreenplayIQ AI script analysis. The discount code is non-transferable and may not be resold or combined with other offers. Codes must be used before January 1, 2026. 
• One (1) All-access pass to ATLFF ‘26 – Passes are issued as Awards only and hold no cash or monetary value. They are non-transferable and may not be exchanged, refunded, or substituted. In the event of cancellation, postponement, or other changes by the event organizer, no replacement or compensation will be provided. 

Finalists 

• 50 % off code of Writer Duet – One (1) 1-year annual subscription valid for WriterDuet screenwriting software and ScreenplayIQ AI script analysis. The discount code is non-transferable and may not be resold or combined with other offers. Codes must be used before January 1, 2026. 
• One (1) All-access pass to ATLFF ‘26 – Passes are issued as Awards only and hold no cash or monetary value. They are non-transferable and may not be exchanged, refunded or substituted. In the event of cancellation, postponement, or other changes by the event organizer, no replacement or compensation will be provided.
• Live table read on Trilith’s campus – Trilith Institute retains full discretion over all aspects of the event, including but not limited to casting, scheduling, creative direction, and budget allocation.

• Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM EDT on September 29, 2025

• September 29: Submission Deadline
• October 6: Quarterfinalists Announced
• October 8: Semifinalists Announced
• October 10: Finalists Announced

• Competition entrants can opt-in to receive a brief summary of one Reader’s overall comments.
• This service is $15.
• Reader comments will be sent by the end of Fall.

SUBMIT HERE