We are proud to announce our GRAND PRIZE WINNERS and TOP 5 FINALISTS!
We are now consulting with our winning writers on their plans for their projects.
It’s hugely inspiring to read the work of so many immensely talented writers. We are excited to begin the process of commissioning our Winner’s films and sharing our Finalists’ scripts with our Industry and Directors Roster.
For full details of what happens next, check out our Short Film Fund post-contest timeline.
THE SHORT FILM FUND RUNS TWICE A YEAR. FROM FEB-MAY & FROM AUG-OCT.
GET YOUR SHORT SCRIPT INTO PRODUCTION WITH THE SHORT FILM FUND.
Download our Contest CALENDAR to ensure you never miss a future deadline.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER - EL VALS - THE WALTZ (AWARDED $15,000 CASH GRANT)
written by Alycya Magaña
“I am so honored you chose El Vals for the fund and am so excited to be able to start bringing it to life!!
This means so much, thank you so much again!”
EL VALS (THE WALTZ)
With their mother deported and young Danny now the man of the house, acquiring a Quinceañera dress for his older sister means everything – yet how will he do it with no money and CPS closing in?

SECOND PLACE WINNER - OVER THE NEXT HILL (AWARDED A $10,000 CASH GRANT)
written by Tarique Qayumi
“Thanks so much! This is amazing!!!!!! I am totally thrilled and blown away. Thank you again. Wow.”
OVER THE NEXT HILL
On a perilous journey as a refugee, eleven-year-old Zabi struggles to prove his manhood to his mother.
OUR TOP 5
In addition to our two grant winners, we would like to congratulate our Top 5 Finalists.
A MIND OF ITS OWN by Courtney Randle
CARRION by Yvonne Zhang
HEATWAVE by Raúl Eduardo Galindo Peña & Andrea Porras
PASO DOBLE by Heida Reed
SNAKESBITE by Leaf Lieber
This season, our Top 5 Finalists will receive feedback on their scripts from our Judges along with a Free Copy of Final Draft & Free Enrollment into our Ultimate Screenwriting Course. Plus, the Grand Prize Winner will also receive a free Festival Pass to HollyShorts 2021.
OUR SHORT FILM FUND FINALISTS
(in alphabetical order)
CHECK OUT OUR FEATURE SCREENPLAY AND TV PILOT CONTESTS !
DISCOVER OUR TOP 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN WRITING YOUR FEATURE.