The 2026 Shorts Competition is open through
August 23. The winning script gets a $7,500
production grant and gets made. Free to enter.
THE PEOPLE'S FILM STUDIOAn Indie Studio
Where the Community Decides
What Gets Made
1. Open Submission
Period
Every great film begins with a great script. Submit your screenplay and any additional materials during our open submission period. No entry fee.
2. Kinolime Selects
Top 26 Scripts
After reading every submitted short, our team determines the 26 strongest which move on to the next round.
3. First Round Of Audience Voting
You, the audience, read the scripts and vote for your favorites to advance.
4. Judges Panel Selection
Kinolime’s development team reviews the Top 10 scripts and selects three finalists.
5. Audience Decides The Winner
From the final 3 scripts, YOU, the audience, read and vote on which story Kinolime finances.
Currently Live
See the Winning Story Come to Life
The winning story begins its journey from script to screen.
FROM THE COMMUNITY
Don't Take Our Word for It
KZ
So many people believe in something that was just a document on my computer not very long ago.
FL
I’ve never seen anything like it — submit your script, win, and they actually make your movie.
SF
This isn’t just another screenwriting competition. Kinolime is actually making the films—and that changes everything.
AH
Kinolime has not only offered a life-changing opportunity for me, and for “The Waif,” but they’re bringing me along for the ride… Winning this contest is the kind of validation that shrinks words, honestly. And watching this come together has been exciting beyond measure. I can’t wait for what’s next.
CHOSEN BY THE COMMUNITY
Four Winners. Four Films in Motion.
THE WAIF (2024): in pre-production, BAFTA-nominated director Stephen Fingleton attached
MOB MENTALITY (2025): in active development
PUSHING DAISY (2025 Shorts): in post-production
DUE (2026): greenlit with up to $15M in financing
YOUR SHORT (2026): submissions open through August 23
Look back at the stories that captivated our community and see how scripts become movies through the power of audience choice.
PREVIOUS COMPETITION RESULTS
Read What
We Discovered
Immerse yourself in Kinolime
Insider tips and analysis from our passionate Kinolime writing staff. Competition updates to stay informed.
Kinolime Articles & Screenplay Analysis
Expert screenplay evaluations with actionable feedback to boost your work and grow your career.
Professional Script Coverage.
Fast-track your screenwriting skills with targeted learning resources for competition success.
Kinolime Crash Courses
WHAT WE DO
From Script
to Screen
We turn screenplays into films. Every script submitted gets read by our community, and the ones they choose, Kinolime finances and produces.
OUR COMPETITION
How It Works
Filmmakers can submit their scripts for a chance to secure production financing and bring their vision to life. Kinolime showcases the top-tier entries, giving you, the audience, the power to decide which story makes the journey from script to screen.
Shape Cinema. Earn Rewards.
Whether you write or vote, Kinolime lets you shape film’s future —
writers get big opportunities, voters earn exclusive perks.
For Screenwriters
For Voters
Free
SubmissionNo entry fees, no hidden costs. Submit your screenplay and treatment without paying a dime.
Pitch
MeetingNo gatekeepers. Earn a direct pitch meeting with the executives who choose our next films.
Coverage DiscountsEarn up to $375 off professional script coverage services by engaging with other screenplays.
Promotional BoostUnlock promotional services to help your screenplay gain visibility in the competition.
Free
SubmissionNo entry fees, no hidden costs. Submit your screenplay and treatment without paying a dime.
Pitch
MeetingNo gatekeepers. Earn a direct pitch meeting with the executives who choose our next films.
Coverage DiscountsEarn up to $375 off professional script coverage services by engaging with other screenplays.
Promotional BoostUnlock promotional services to help your screenplay gain visibility in the competition.
Free
SubmissionNo entry fees, no hidden costs. Submit your screenplay and treatment without paying a dime.
Pitch
MeetingNo gatekeepers. Earn a direct pitch meeting with the executives who choose our next films.
Coverage DiscountsEarn up to $375 off professional script coverage services by engaging with other screenplays.
Promotional BoostUnlock promotional services to help your screenplay gain visibility in the competition.
SCREENPLAY COVERAGE
Coverage From Script
Executives
Comprehensive coverage from produced screenwriters and award-winning producers. Actionable feedback, plus the Kinolime Reviewed badge on your script in our catalog.