Congratulations to all our Winners!!!
Joseph, thank you so very much! This means the world to me. I so greatly appreciate you and your team believing in my script. THANK YOU for this incredible opportunity! -Anthony DiVastanzo
Thank you so much, Joseph. What a wonderful holiday present to be one of two finalists. -James Helsing
Excellent feedback on my screenplay. I was able to make improvements after receiving insightful comments. -Theodore Adams
The San Francisco International Screenwriting Competition and Film Awards is a gem! Thank you much for nominating "Cats and Husbands!"
We need more festivals like yours! -Barry Samson
I just opened the email today and got the thrill of a lifetime. Thank you all for taking the time out to read and hopefully it was a good read. This made my day! -Terence Nigel Fisher
Thank you for the award! -Johnny Galvan
Thank you so much for the amazing feedback, I'm overwhelmed, not just by the positivity, but also the suggestions for improvement -- I do believe I will make some changes as a result. This whole experience has been so incredible! I'm beyond grateful for the whole process. You folks are doing good work, truly nurturing passionate creators. THANK YOU!! -Matthew Forbes
Joseph and the Festival Team: Thanks so much for the judge’s notes. I found them to be very valuable. Sincerely, Robert J. McCrea
Awesome! Thanks so much for reading and for the vote of confidence. -Michael Baker
My screenplay "Gruesome" was one of two finalists and it was a hell of a fun ride. The festival team was very encouraging, respectful and professional. I look forward to returning! -James Helsing
Thanks for selection, great reward for me and my team. -Sejiane Belmont
I was honored to have a script that placed in this competition. Communication was excellent. -L.E. Coleman
Wow, so I’m a working Writer… and I’m excited to know that there are some folks who dug the screenplay. Ya’ll have thrown some logs on the fire. I did the Pee Wee Herman dance for like 30 minutes after reading the email. Again Thank You for taking the time to read it. - Terence Fisher
Thank you so much. I am truly honored to be a finalist. -James Helsing
I submitted Outskirts and was heartened to make it to the QuarterFinals. Thanks for the kind, helpful notes. The half hour Pilot has now come a very long way and I am now resubmitting. Enjoy! ~Peggy Green
Very much appreciated the clear feedback. Also, results came in ahead of schedule with excellent communication via email, website, and even a phone call to tell me I was a finalist! I entered because I used to live in the Bay area, and will enter again. -Suzanne Birrel
A really amazing festival! Very well-run, and if your work does well in the competition, you get AMAZING opportunities for networking. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about these folks! -Matthew Forbes 2022 Grand Prize Winner
2023’s winners received consultation packages from RoadmapWriters that included an hours worth of script notes to our grand prize winner and a total of three consultations. Our top two finalists also received consultations. Our top writers also received a page and a half of script notes from our final round judges.
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2023 SCREENWRITING WINNERS
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GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Postman by Anthony DiVastanzo
FINALISTS
Gruesome by James Helsing
A Call to Arms by Jullian Poulter
SEMI FINALISTS
The Shadow of Dharma by Mark Perlick
Duo Demise by Blair London
Losing it in LA by Marco Ruggio
The Makeover Man by Adam Sandel
Ragzi and the Danseuse by Kevin Michael Irvine
How Not to Write a Romance Novel by Suzy Stein and Fernando Perez
Who Killed William Desmond Taylor by Nate Washburn
The Cheating Vaccine by Duncan B Putney
Tom Paine by Hans Petersen
The Last Bombshell by Lawrence Hughes Stern
Split Decision by Robert Jones
Bite Marks by Jay Strong
John Mack The Believer by Denise David Williams
Suraya’s War by Andy Patrizio
PickeBall Killer by Jim Carroll
Stay Tuned by Kyle Collins
Hiding in Daylight by Gergory G. Allen
A Boxed Life by Frank Mendocino
A Christmas Karl by Harry Ewan
2023 FILM AWARDS
Raven Woman by Junichi Haruta
Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor
Faded Requiem by Brandon Joseph Ruffin
Best Horror and Thriller, Best Indie Director
Iron Gate Chronicles by Michael Schatz
Best Action Film, Best Cinematography
The Angel Of My Life by Cesar Valderrama and Erick Gonzalez
Best Dramatic Film
The End by Sejiane Belmont
Best Acting Ensemble
Algae by Jiayi Zhao
Best Animation
Perchance by Frederic Donner
Best Editing
Paul’s Pool Day by Noam Lerner
Best Short Film
Earth and Shadows by Shuyu Gao
Best Student Film
Brian & Connie by Ryan Gimeson
Best Web Series
The Nurse Practitioner by Gwen Jansen
Best Documentary
Congratulations Again!!!
Thank you so much for the amazing feedback, I'm overwhelmed, not just by the positivity, but also the suggestions for improvement -- I do believe I will make some changes as a result. This whole experience has been so incredible! I'm beyond grateful for the whole process. You folks are doing good work, truly nurturing passionate creators. THANK YOU!! -Matthew Forbes
I was thrilled to have my sitcom pilot "It Had to Be Lou" win the SF International Screenwriting Competition! The communication and feedback from the team was both supportive and exemplary, as was my 30-minute consultation with manager Andrew Kersey. Thank you! -Adam Sandel
Joseph and the Festival Team: Thanks so much for the judge’s notes. I found them to be very valuable. Sincerely, Robert J. McCrea
Very much appreciated the clear feedback. Also, results came in ahead of schedule with excellent communication via email, website, and even a phone call to tell me I was a finalist! I entered because I used to live in the Bay area, and will enter again. -Suzanne Birrel
Thank you, San Francisco International Screenwriting Competition, for honoring my screenplay, GODFORSAKEN: A STORY OF THREE MARYS, in your great festival. Your extra note of "thanks for entering" was very encouraging! Here's wishing you success both now and in future. -Kevin Irvine
Words can hardly describe my gratitude -- thank you so much for considering my script and selecting it as one of your esteemed quarter-finalists!! This is a tremendous honor. I am grateful for every reader who took the time out of their day to spend time with my project. No matter the final results, I am happy I submitted. Have a wonderful rest of your day/week. -Kameron
This year, I've entered quite a number of competitions with quite a few scripts. I was really pleased that I noticed the San Fran Int'l Screenwriting Competition just before it closed. I had a few (3) titles that had been in some film festivals that had script components, and I wanted to see how the scripts would fare in a pure writing competition. San Fran accommodated my request, including to submit my 'duology' (a script and its sequel), which necessitated utilizing the same reader. I wish I'd come across them sooner; thanks to this experiment I not only learned what a real writing contest thought of my work, but I upped the placements to Quarters and Semis. Thanks, San Fran! -Steve Garry
Excellent festival. Amazing experience. Thanks for awarding my script. —Polykarpos Parioritsas
I want to compliment SFISC on their total professionalism in operating this wonderful film festival. The SFISC Team takes that extra step which
puts them alongside the best film festivals worldwide. It’s a pleasure to have my work submitted and recognized by experts in the film industry. -Charles Petrillo
Thank YOU!!! -Suzanne
Thank you to San Francisco International Screenwriting for the honor of receiving Quarter-Finalist! Can't wait to see you again with my next project. -Amy Philbert
Appreciate you! This means the world to me! Warmly, -Damien D.Bell
I'm incredibly honored to have my screenplay, Brem & Me selected as a Quarter-Finalist!-Kevin Corrigan
Wow! Thank you, San Francisco Internation for selecting my script, ROADS TAKEN, as quarterfinalist in your competition. I am truly honored. -C.J. Palmisano
Awww, thank you so much! This means the World to me. I look forward to giving your Festival a great review! Sincerely, Erin Elizabeth Cook
The San Francisco International Screenwriting Comp has been a great experience. Thanks, guys. -Steven Campbell
I was shocked and honored to be given quarter final for my pilot Blink of an Eye. It's be a privilege. Everyone is so lovely! Karen Matthews
The San Francisco Int’l Screenwriting Comp has been a great experience. Thanks, guys. -Stephen Campbell
Great screenwriting festival! Even more sweet as I am originally from SF. Cheers and thanks for selecting ‘Floating Laura’ , a maverick steals a classic airliner off a lake. -John Celona
Thank you all so very much for acknowledging my work for my screenplay AN UNFAMILIAR LIFE as a quarter-finalist. It was an easy-breezy experience and we'll be sure to back again with new content again. All the best for continued success with your festival. Toni D with Shake The Tree. -Toni D’Antonio
Thank you so much for your great communication and recognition of my Screenplay, "The TentVille Knights"! -Erin Elizabeth Cook
Omg ! Thank you so much! It’s an amazing honor ! And I love your city 
All the best and Happy Holidays , Nan Schmid
SFISC is not expensive to submit to and their script "turnaround" is phenomenally fast. Was pleased to reach quarter finals. -Sharon Curcio
I am honored to be a quarter-finalist in the SF International Screenwriting Competition, especially since I live in Palo Alto. Thank you for putting a smile on my face today. Sincerely, -Kathy Rucker
This is such an honor! Thank you for this quarter-final win. As I am from San Francisco, this is an especially nice one to receive. -John Celona
Delighted that my script was a quarter-finalist. Also encouraged by the perceptive observation! -Lynn Elliot
Thanks so much for honoring my feature screenplay, GODFORSAKEN: A STORY OF THREE MARYS! It is both thrilling and humbling to be part of your great competition. -Kevin Michael Irvine
Thank you -John Turner
Oh wow. Thank you so much for the incredibly kind email and for being selected at a quarter-finalist. My psychological drama (based on a true story in my family)... was 30 years in the making and a real passion project. Congratulations to all the winners, indeed all of us that submitted, because if we keep writing screenplays.... we are ALL winners . ( sounds so corny I know) lol -C Hope Belmont
I am deeply honored that you have selected my 2 screenplays for the quarterfinals. Thank you! -Thomas M. Lister
Thank you soooo much! -Diane Lansing
Thank you so much for choosing Brem & Me as a Quarter Finalist! There's no higher honor than to be able to touch others with our work. It's so gratifying to discover I'm not completely crazy to think I have something to say that others might like as well. -Kevin Corrigan
Thanks so much for your award notification. I am pleased that you gave the script your consideration and enjoyed reading it. -Robert J. McCrea
SFISC conveys itself sincerely as a competition that matters and makes a difference, and I believe it. My quarter-finalist placing feels like a semi-finalist, somehow. Deluded, me? No, I don't think so. It's the SFISC effect. -Michael Gould
Thank you for recognizing my work and for your most encouraging words of appreciation. I’m totally gratified and look forward to a continuing literary relationship with future submissions to your most respected San Francisco International Screenwriting Competition! Thank you, again! -Charles Petrilla
Thank you so much for selecting Stellar FIVR as a quarter finalist and for your kind words. I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted, it means a lot. -Laurence Patrick
A really amazing festival! Very well-run, and if your work does well in the competition, you get AMAZING opportunities for networking. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about these folks! -Matthew Forbes 2022 Grand Prize Winner
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Congratulations to all our Winners!!!
Possibly the best screenplay competition I've ever participated in. Joseph and his staff communicate and care about your project. They understand writers. This Festival is simply terrific. -Marco Ruggio
A great experience with a unique, personalized touch. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to participate in this year’s event. Thanks very much for the great feedback! -Kasper Kavalaris
I am honored to have my screenplay "The Sublime Clash" selected as a semi finalist. The script notes will be a great help to improve it. Thank you very much! -Luiz Felipe Loureiro
I am deeply honored. Thank you. -Mel Glazer
Dear San Francisco Screenwriting, Thank you so much for selecting me as a semi-finalist! I am thrilled and honored. I have been working on Malva continually, taking it to new heights. I truly appreciate your suggestions for improvement. I am so pleased. So far this has been an amazing and encouraging experience for the advancement of my writing career. -Lucie Stotter xx
Thank you San Francisco International Screenwriting Festival for being the prestigious Festival you are in so many ways. Uppermost in my mind is the exceptional reputation of your judges, I am a finalist in your competition. And for the above and more, f am humbled. Thank you. -Melvin Glazer
We are very, very thrilled to have "At The Flash" rank as a Quarter-Finalist! A very supportive and communicative competition!!! -Sean Chandler
Great festival. Friendly staff. Well organized.
I am so honored by the achievement of Quarter-Finalist for my screenplay "A Grieving Man." San Francisco is one of my favorite cities and I'm often there for work and play. If I could afford it, I'd live there. The screenplay location is also San Francisco, so the city has a special in my heart. Thank you so much for showing 'the Love' to my work. It means a lot! -Waide Riddle
Very attentive attitude to the participants. They provided one of the most complete and useful reviews, read the script in full (I have encountered negligence at other festivals with feedback). -Viktoria Zykina
Thanks to the festival organizers for maintaining really high standards for the nominated screenplays. It is great to get recognition from such a prestigious group of industry people. Great festival - nice one! Thank you. -Stuart Douglas
Thank you for selecting my screenplay, Together Delirious, as a semi-finalist. I really appreciate the honor. -Ben Fussiner
Thank you! This is an awesome competition! -Raul Cantu
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This festival has, by far, been the most reliable in term of communication. When I was announced as a Semi-Finalist for my screenplay, The Grin, I replied with a thank you with other comments. They immediately answered! This may seem small, but It's a big deal. I am honored to have been selected for my writing this year. I hope to enter more of my other work in the future. ~Dena Pech
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Great communication and resources made available. Grateful for the opportunity to share this story! ~Paula Rossman
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Such a great experience with them! ~Madison Flannery
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The encouragement and resources afforded to winners of this festival is humbling. They are upfront with you about the next steps of your career and even suggest further festivals to submit to if you are interested. I cannot suggest this festival enough ~John Dorsey
Our Grand Prize Winner received a consultation package provided by Roadmap Writers with three top talent executives and talent managers in New York and Los Angeles. The top two finalists also received consultations with talent managers in New York.
Joseph and the SFISC team has been amazing in this time of madness! Fantastic communication and dedication to connecting their winners to the professional world. I'm truly honored to be recognized by such an amazing group!
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Fabulous festival and competition. .
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Love these script notes!
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Nice to see a festival that supports serious writers taking on serious subject matter. Great competition.
This competition is a class act. It's their primary purpose to support, endorse, advance and encourage their winning writers. I've experienced this with the phone calls, emails and promotion from them that left me feeling thankful and pumped up. They keep me informed when they forward my script to industry contacts. This win is more than just a pat on the back. Much, much more. Two thumbs up from me!
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Fabulous festival and competition. Will enter again.
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Great Competition! Great Opportunity! Will definitely recommend it to my peers.
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Sending your work here, especially for a first time writer, can be very beneficial!.
