Contest Rules

Feature Film Screenplays may be submitted directly to Big Island Film Festival using entry form on website or through Filmfreeway.com. Screenplays should be submitted by PDF (either by email or USB stick) if being submitted directly to BIFF, along with entry form and entry fee. If submitted to Filmfreeway.com fee payment and electronic submission will be completed using their procedure.

By entering your screenplay to the Big Island Film Festival contest you affirm that you are authorized to submit the script and agree to the rules and regulations and it is the sole work of the writer or writers. For work written by more than one writer, all writers have agreed to submit the script for consideration.

A feature film shall be defined as between as between 60 pages and 140 pages. No screenplays longer or shorter than these limits will be accepted.

Screenplays should be in standard screenplay format.

Screenplays should be registered through WGA or through copyrighting process. You retain all rights to script submitted.

Multiple submissions may be made, but each entry’s materials and fees must be made separately.

No waivers will be given. Since readers are being compensated, please don’t ask.

All entries and materials must arrive no later than February 1, 2016.

The readers and judges decisions are final.

Scripts and other materials will not be returned.

By submitting your script you agree to indemnify Big Island Film Festival, its owners, its employees, sponsors, partners and volunteers harmless against any and all claims or liability resulting from your submission and participation in Big Island Film Festival Screenplay Contest.

Awards: After three layers of scoring and judging, the following will be offered:

Semifinalists – Certificates will be presented to the nine Semi-finalists as well as being listed on BigIslandFilmFestival.com. Should the semifinalists choose to attend 2016 Big Island Film Festival, May 26 - 30, they will receive the same benefits as filmmakers selected for 2016 BIFF. This includes two Filmmaker passes ($800 value), discount on: rooms at The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, additional tickets and/or passes, car rental on Dollar.com and flights on Alaska Airlines.

Finalists – Wooden Golden Honu Award Plates. Listing on BigIslandFilmFestival.com and listing on Variety.com. Should the finalists choose to attend 2016 Big Island Film Festival, May 26- 30, they will receive the same benefits shown above.

Winner - Wooden Golden Honu Award Plate and other items listed above for Finalists, Plus the winner will be submitted to Paradigm Agency in Hollywood for possible representation. No promise is made of representation, but it will be considered by the agency. Other prizes may be added beyond what is listed above.

Direct submissions may be sent to

Big Island Film Festival, LLC
68-1851 Lina Poepoe St
Waikoloa, HI 96738
Or emailed to entries@bigislandfilmfestival.com show “Screenplay Contest” in the subject line.

Download Feature Screenplay Competion Rules