Now accepting applicants for Spring 2025 Program!
Tales of Identity and Imagination
Storytelling has the power to challenge perspectives, foster empathy, and bring unheard voices to the forefront. The M Film Lab is dedicated to discovering and nurturing stories that reflect the experiences of minorities, immigrants, and underrepresented communities. Open to writers of all backgrounds, this lab is a space where diverse narratives are championed, authentic voices are amplified, and bold storytelling is cultivated. If you have a screenplay that needs to be told, this is the place to bring it to life.
We are looking for 6 incredible writers, to join the M Lab’s Spring 2025 program, where they will receive direct one-on-one mentorship at the hands of 6 experienced industry professionals over the course of 2 weeks. In the end, 1 of the 6 scripts will be optioned for production!
Write & submit a screenplay following the guidelines below:
In each of the past labs, the M Film Lab focused on a different group of underrepresented screenwriters. This time, we are doing things a little differently: this lab is open to all screenwriters, regardless of background, or ethnicity. All we ask is that you keep with the spirit of the lab, and write a 12-15 min short film screenplay of any genre, so long that it contributes to the conversation of what it means to be a member of a minority group in our society. Here are some ideas to get you inspired, choose one of them or write something completely original
Subject to Contest Rules & Guidelines
Topic Suggestions
Find inspiration in these storytelling options. Each theme is designed to spark meaningful conversations.
Prizes
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
will receive a cash prize of
$1,500 USD
& Winning Screenplay will be optioned for production
Subject to Contest Rules & GuidelinesNew to Open Screenplay? Sign up Now
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Lab Mentors
Nadia Tabbara
Writer/Director
Key Dates
Rules & Guidelines
Eligibility
Format of the Lab:
During the 2-week duration of the lab, the top 6 applicants will be invited to participate in a series of one-on-one mentorship sessions with a group of experienced industry professionals who will help them hone and develop their screenplays. Writers are required to submit a final version of their screenplay on the Open Screenplay platform before the deadline indicated below. The screenplays will then be reviewed by a committee consisting of the M Lab mentors, board members and advisors, who will select one screenplay as the overall winner. The winning script will be optioned for production, and will receive an option fee of $1,500.
Judging Criteria
In addition to compliance with the lab requirements set forth in the above, submitted Screenplays will be evaluated on a variety of factors including but not limited to quality of concept, structure, plotline, characters, dialogue, pacing, and relevance to contest topic.
Screenplay submissions are judged by a committee of M Lab mentors, executives, and advisors.
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.