Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in joining the 2026 NashFilm Screenplay Reader Committee! 

The Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) is a globally-recognized non-profit organization and cultural event presenting the best in world cinema, American independent films and documentaries by veteran masters, up-and-coming directors, and first-time filmmakers. With Academy Award® qualifying status, the Nashville Film Festival celebrates innovation, music and the many voices of the human spirit through the art of film. The 57th Nashville Film Festival will take place September 24-30, 2026 in Nashville, TN. 

The Nashville Film Festival Screenwriting Competition is rapidly becoming a major launching point for writers looking to break in or create momentum behind an original project. Our winners have had films produced and had projects advance in prestigious workshops and Sundance labs.

The ideal reader volunteer has experience writing screenplays, or alternately has other production experience such as actor, director, producer. The opportunity to read multiple screenplays at all levels from novice to pro is a great way to improve your story skills no matter what hat you are wearing on the set. It also provides a lot of insight into what’s out there in the original content arena.

Competition reading is a great introduction to reading for production companies or other competitions. We provide feedback to help build reader skills. We also help our readers find placement for paid positions in the industry.

Reader Expectations:

1. Readers are unpaid and receive points for their service that will equate to free tickets, badges, coverage, and other special perks.
2. Readers are preferred to read in categories that they write or regularly watch; i.e. comedy writers are preferred to read comedy.
3. Readers may enter the competition in a category they do not read. For example a comedy writer could enter the half hour pilot competition and read for the comedy feature competition.
4. Readers will be assigned scripts they must read and evaluate based on provided criteria. Turn around time for requested scripts is essential to keep the competition on track, so readers are asked to finish their queue within the time frame specified. Readers may request more or fewer scripts depending on their availability.
5. Our festival aims to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for writers of all levels. Readers should consider that when evaluating material but also consider the fact that it is a competition so we are looking to narrow the field to scripts that stand out above the rest.
6. Reading scripts of all levels offers valuable insight into the elements of story, not just for writers, but for everyone involved in the filmmaking process. There is opportunity for every level of experience.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest. All applications are considered confidential. NashFilm is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities and will work with applicants to meet their needs.

Questions? Email us at entries@nashfilm.org 

Thank you for your interest in joining the 2026 NashFilm Pre-Screening Committee! Our pre-screeners are a vital part of the programming process and our programming team takes the comments and ratings that are given by our pre-screeners very seriously. The committee ultimately informs and guides our decision making process.

The Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) is a globally-recognized non-profit organization and cultural event presenting the best in world cinema, American independent films and documentaries by veteran masters, up-and-coming directors, and first-time filmmakers. With Academy Award® qualifying status, the Nashville Film Festival celebrates innovation, music and the many voices of the human spirit through the art of film. The 57th Nashville Film Festival will take place September 24-30, 2026 in Nashville, TN.

The ideal pre-screening volunteer has experience writing about, watching, or critiquing film—or comes from another area of the film industry, such as screenwriting, editing, programming, festival organizing, or producing. However, we also welcome film students and anyone with a strong passion for cinema, even if you don’t have extensive professional experience. This opportunity offers the chance to watch a wide range of films, from emerging voices to seasoned professionals, making it an excellent way to sharpen your skills and broaden your understanding of the industry. You’ll also gain valuable insight into the current landscape of original content.

Please note: You do not need to be a resident of Nashville or Tennessee to participate. We welcome applicants from anywhere!

Important Pre-Screener Information:

• The screener duties will be performed on an individual basis. No group screenings will be a part of the official 2026 screening process.
• Screeners are unpaid volunteers who receive points for each film they watch and review. These points can be redeemed for complimentary badges or ticket packages to the 57th Nashville Film Festival. The more films you screen, the more points you earn—unlocking higher benefit tiers. At the top tier, volunteers receive an All-Access Pass to the festival, while lower tiers include ticket packages with a set number of individual tickets.
• All films and related materials are confidential and must not be shared, discussed publicly, or posted online in any form.
• Screeners must have reliable internet access and a suitable device for watching films securely (laptop, desktop, or smart TV). Do not download, record, or reproduce any portion of a film. All viewing must occur through the festival’s designated screening platform.
• All film reviews should be professional, respectful, and focused on storytelling, technical merit, originality, and overall impact. Judges should evaluate each film fairly, regardless of genre, budget, or personal preference.
• Ability to provide high quality film reviews within strict deadlines and upload coverage for each film to in a timely manner.
• If a screener submits a film for competition, they relinquish all rights to evaluating any film within that competition category.
• Upon acceptance, screeners will enter into a trial period, at the end of which the Programming Coordinator will decide whether or not you will remain on the pre-screening committee. This decision is made based upon the ability to meet the deadlines and overall quality of the film reviews.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest. All applications are considered confidential. NashFilm is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities and will work with applicants to meet their needs.

Questions? Email us at entries@nashfilm.org