Rules and Guidelines
Please read all of the following information before submitting your screenplay.
Failure to adhere to the rules and guidelines will result in a disqualification.
-
Screenplay must be between 5 and 15 pages.
-
Must be an original screenplay (You need to own the rights).
-
Must be achievable with a budget of $3000 or you will need to source additional funding.
-
Screenplay should be formatted as professionally as possible.
-
Preferably written within the last year.
-
NO FIREARMS may be permitted in the story (Safety is key).
-
You must be a New Mexico resident to submit.
-
Your film will need to be shot in the state of New Mexico, with a majority New Mexican Cast and Crew.
-
You will submit a PDF, name, email and phone number.
-
Scripts written by or in part by A.I. chatbots will not be accepted.
-
Scripts submitted to our previous contests will not be accepted.
The Santa Fe Independent Film Club will hold the role of Unit Production Manager on set (a.k.a. UPM). Any additional assistance during the production will be worked out with the screenwriter.
The Santa Fe Independent Film Club's logo will be required in the film credits, as well as a 'Special Thanks' message.
Ideally, the writer will direct their short film. If the chosen writer feels more comfortable with another director, we can work that out. We can help with finding actors, crew and equipment.
​
The winner will be selected and announced March 22, 2025.
If selected, pre-production, production and post-production will all need to be completed within 90 days. And a final short film presented by June 20, 2025.
If your script is selected as a finalist, we will contact you via email to set up a meeting with the jurors to learn a bit about you and your vision.
​
If your script is not selected, you'll receive an email notifying you at the time we make our final selection.
