Screenplay Competition Award Winners 2026

The Sedona International Film Festival — now in its 32nd year — provides a unique natural backdrop and an enlightening festival experience for our three SCREENPLAY COMPETITION winners. Meeting filmmakers, producers and executives from all over the world in conversations at lunch and dinner, with cuisine provided by Sedona’s finest restaurants for all VIP personnel are just the beginning. Parties at Sedona’s best hotels, restaurants and clubs will allow mingling with Industry contacts to continue. Between going to panels, films, Q&As, meals and parties, you’ll explore the red rocks of Sedona, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Besides the prizes (below) you’ll come away with an unforgettable experience that could kick-start your budding screenwriting journey, and become SIFF alumni forever!

CONGRATULATIONS to our winners and finalists in our
2025 Screenplay Competition!

And the winners are …

Feature Scripts:
WINNER: “Burgirlry” by Evan Laughlin

Runners Up:
“Hellfire N’ Pronoun” by John McCarney
“The Linguist” by Maggie Tsavaris
“Enchanting by the Sea” by Zach Van Eyck

Short Scripts:
WINNER: “Burning Hammer” by Dylan Wilson

Runners Up:
“Doll” by Shia Shabazz Smith
“Before He Spoke” by Ameya Bondre
“Joey” by A. Hope Hickli

TV Pilots:
WINNER: “Sally White” by Katrina Jaxson

Runners Up:
“Precursor” by Steve Brown
“The Dubs” by Kerri Quinn
“Goody” by Julie Sharbutt