APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Indigenous Screenwriters
With representation of Indigenous peoples and culture in film and TV at shamefully low levels, and with the inaccurate and harmful portrayals of Native peoples, Hollywood has been perhaps an unwitting accomplice in the institutionalized erasure of Native peoples. For too long, Native people have been erased from history, the present, and popular culture. But it doesn’t have to be this way: the indigenous peoples of North America contribute to every aspect of society and are a living testament to survival, resilience and resistance.
Write & submit a screenplay following the guidelines below:
We invite you to help us tell more stories that put the spotlight on authentic Indigenous characters, that speak of their complexity and humanity, their challenges and triumphs, their joys and sorrows. We want you to write an original 15-minute short film screenplay, in any genre of your choosing.
See below for further information on eligibility, application process and selection criteria.
Prizes
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Key Dates
Lab Mentors
John Timothy
Writer, Actor, Director
Eligibility
Applications
Screenplay Suggested Themes
We invite you to write a screenplay for a 15-minute short film (Max 15 pages) about any topic, genre, or subject matter of your choosing. While this is an opportunity for Indigenous storytellers, we encourage you not to feel limited to traditional themes. This is a blank canvas for you to showcase your creativity and unique voice. We encourage you to explore new territories, and remix old ones. For example, tell us stories that look to the future of the Indigenous individual in America, or uncover an obscure corner of the Indigenous experience that we’ve never seen on screen.
Judging Criteria
In addition to compliance with the film lab’s eligibility requirements, submitted applications will be evaluated on a variety of factors including but not limited to originality, creativity, and structure. Applications are judged by a select committee of lab partners and mentors.
IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS
About M Film Lab
M Film Lab is a free-to-join screenwriting workshop and mentorship opportunity for storytellers and creators committed to fair artistic representation of minorities that are underrepresented in film & television. Using an online format and advanced tools, The M Film Lab aims to discover and provide opportunities to aspiring screenwriters, while creating a pipeline of compelling, meaningful content that sheds light on the issues facing various communities of minorities in America and abroad.
The M Film Lab is open to all aspiring screenwriters, and features opportunities to work with and learn from accomplished industry professionals, forge new connections with other artists.