Austin Film Festival (AFF) and HUMANITAS have joined forces to launch the inaugural “HUMANITAS Originals Award”. This joint initiative is a new addition to AFF’s Script Competitions and is open to both feature screenplays and teleplay pilots that reflect the kinds of stories HUMANITAS has honored for over four decades.
A classic HUMANITAS story examines what it means to be a fully realized human being in a world struggling with racism, sexism, ageism, anti-Semitism, poverty, religious strife, and a widening political divide. By deeply exploring the cultures, lifestyles, sexual orientations, and political and religious beliefs of people who are very different from ourselves, we can dissolve the walls of ignorance and hate that threaten the our global community.
The winner of the HUMANITAS ORIGINALS will receive a $5,000 prize along with reimbursement for airfare (up to $500) and hotel (up to $500) if used to attend the Festival and Conference, as well as the bronze AFF Typewriter Award. HUMANITAS will review the top scripts submitted in the category and will determine the finalists and one winner. Finalists will be given the opportunity to meet with representatives from HUMANITAS during AFF’s Writers Festival, which will be held this October 24 – 31, 2019.
“Austin Film Festival is thrilled to be partnering with HUMANITAS to provide an exciting opportunity for aspiring writers. As a Festival committed to championing storytellers, we are determined to continue creating opportunities for new voices in the industry, and we’re proud to be launching the HUMANITAS Originals Award as another platform for writers to find success”, said Executive Director, Barbara Morgan.
“We are very excited to be partnering with the Austin Film Festival,” said HUMANITAS Executive Director, Cathleen Young. “Under the incredible leadership of Barbara Morgan, AFF is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for writers who are launching their Hollywood careers. We share their passion. In an increasingly divided world, we feel we must do everything we can to empower storytellers and creators to show us who we are and who we need to be as a member of the global family by way of their unique, creative voices.”
AFF’s Script Competitions are currently open for submissions with a March 29 Early Deadline, April 19 Regular Deadline, and May 15 Late Deadline. For more information including rules, eligibility, and how to submit, please visit www.austinfilmfestival.com.
