2023 Nashville Film Festival: September 28 – October 4, 2023
2023 VIP Badges on sale now!
UPCOMING DEADLINES:
- May 6, 2023: Screenplay Competition Late Deadline
- May 15, 2023: Film Competition Regular Deadline
- May 28, 2023: Screenplay Competition Extended (Final)
- June 9, 2023: Film Competition Late Deadline
- June 19, 2023: Film Competition Extended Deadline (Final)
The 54th Nashville Film Festival, a week-long celebration of film, music and culture, will take place at several of Nashville’s premier arts venues with film screenings, industry panels and social events, September 28 – October 4, 2023. The Nashville Film Festival presents more than 125 film screenings, a selection of post-film Q&As and in-depth discussions with attending filmmakers.
NashFilm hosts events and programs that highlight the many aspects of filmmaking, including: a Screenwriting Competition (September 28-October 4); a Music Supervisors Program (music industry panels and workshops – September 28-October 2); the Creators Conference (film and music industry panels – September 29 – October 2); and live music performances and new artist showcases throughout the week.
Film and Screenplay Competition for the 2023 Nashville Film Festival are now for entries. See below for more detailed information on entry process and upcoming deadlines.
2023 Film Competition
The Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) celebrates innovation, music and the many voices of the human spirit through the art of film. Originally founded in 1969, the Nashville Film Festival is one of the longest-running film festivals in the United States and the first in the South. NashFilm discovers, elevates, and honors filmmakers, screenwriters and musicians from around the world while engaging, connecting and strengthening the community.
Nashville Film Festival offers $100,000 in cash and in-kind sponsor prizes to filmmakers with winners selected by industry professionals – including studio representatives, producers, DP’s, editors and fellow award winning filmmakers. The winning short films in the Narrative, Animated, and Documentary Short Film Competitions are eligible for Academy Award® consideration without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules.
The 54th Nashville Film Festival, taking place September 28 – October 4, 2023 plans to feature seven days of in-person screenings, panels and music showcases, parties and more at a variety of venues throughout Nashville with select content featured online in our Virtual Cinema.
2023 Screenplay Competition
The Nashville Film Festival Screenplay Competition began in 2014 with a mission to embrace new voices, creativity and a passion for innovative storytelling. The competition features several categories including, drama, comedy, horror and genre features in addition to short competition, 30 minute and 60 minute pilots. The Nashville Film Festival Screenplay Competition also offers a special category award to a Tennessee Writer.
Scripts from the quarter-finalist level up are hosted on a website for access by industry professionals. Semifinalists will be entitled to purchase a badge at preferred rate. Finalists are treated to a table read scene from their screenplay performed by actors and will receive a complimentary festival badge.
Winning screenwriters will receive $500 or $1,000 in cash prizes, depending on the category, and each feature-length category winner as well as a personalized NashFilm Award and personalized assistance with their project goals. Category winners are determined by an all-industry jury that includes active producers and literary representatives.
Questions on entries process? We’re here to help!
Contact us at: entries@nashfilm.org
